2018-12-06 Thu

The Royal Australian Mint released special $5 99.9% Fine Silver Proof Domed Coin depicting the famous 1812 map that was derived from the voyages undertaken by Captain Cook. The coin is a part of the Celestial Domed series and highlights Cartographic artistry of the 19th century.

The obverse depicts an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and year of issue 2019. The reverse features the 1812 map in the centre with texts “1812 A NEW MAP OF THE WORLD” and “CAPTAIN COOK’S TRACKS”, around the central design. The 1 oz coin has a diameter of 39.62 mm and a mintage limit of 5,000 pieces. The Australian legal tender coin is selectively gold plated and can be purchased for $125.00 AUD.

Born on 7th November 1728, Captain James Cook was a British explorer and Captain in the Royal Navy. Before undertaking three voyages to the Pacific Ocean, he produced well-defined maps of Newfoundland. He was responsible for connecting Europe with the eastern coastline of Australia and the Hawaiian Islands for the first time. He also led a voyage to sail around New Zealand for the first time.

Image Courtesy: Royal Australian Mint