History

This medal was instituted during the reign of Alexander I in commemoration of the Arctic Expedition.

It was presented to the two ships Discovery and the Well Intentioned. It was also given as a gift to prominent individuals in the different areas visited by the ships during their expedition, and it may also have been awarded to some crew members.

The medal could be worn on a ribbon, or accepted as a presentation medal, without an eyelet.

The obverse inscription translates to: "Alexander the First by the Grace of God Emperor of All Russias". The reverse inscription translates to: "Sloops Discovery and Well-Intentioned, 1819."