| Description | The Copley Medal, founded in 1736 under the will (1709) of Sir Godfrey Copley, Bart., F.R.S., is awarded annually for distinguished philosophical research, and irrespective of nationality. It is struck in gold.
Obverse: Athena, seated amidst emblems of her own attributes, and of the arts and sciences, holds out in the right hand a wreath; in her left arm is the Ephesian Artemis; on her breast the head of Medusa; near her the armorial shield of Sir Godfrey Copley. Reverse: the armorial shield of the Royal Society, with crest and supporters |
| InscriptionContent | Obverse: G . COPLEY BART. DIGNISSIMO. Below: T. [John Sigismund Tanner]. In exergue: CAROLO LYELL EQ: 1858
Reverse: SOCIETAS REG. LONDINI. In exergue: On a band the motto: NULLIUS IN VERBA. |