Ahab continues his pacing on the deck when he passes and observes the doubloon hammered to the mainmast, the reward for the first person to sight Moby Dick. It is a fine example of Ecuadorian mintage, and features a landscape with three Andes mountain peaks, each crowned by a rooster, a flame, and a tower. Surrounding this image are the twelve representative symbols of the zodiac with the sun setting at Libra.

Looking closely at the doubloon, Ahab focuses on the peaks, seeing in each a representation of himself. He interprets the rest of the coin as a sort of “frame” in which the peaks are trapped. He leaves the mainmast in a gloomy mood.

Starbuck, watching Ahab, inspects the doubloon after Ahab leaves. He sees in the peaks and the gloom from which they ascend, “the holy trinity” framed not by a cage, but by God’s loving protection (472).

Stubb, watching Starbuck, then takes his turn at the doubloon. Not prone to signs and interpretations, he consults a book and identifies each sign of the zodiac, telling an interrelated tale about each and concluding that life is a cycle with many ups and downs, one which it’s best to confront with good cheer.