The Herschel Medal

Sir John Herschel was one of the foremost astronomers in South Africa’s. The South African Literary and Scientific Institute presented Herschel with a gold medal. This medal was Herschel’s favourite belonging. The medal was stolen from the South African Museum (now Iziko Museum). [Personal communication with Cliff Turk; CL]

(Unconfirmed information:  Apparently the company that cast the original medal still exists and has the mold. An effort was made to recast the medal but nothing came of it. If anyone has more reliable information, please contact me.)