Australia wraps up its Terrestrial Gold Dome convex coin series with landmark 1626 John Speed map

Following on from their hugely popular Southern Sky and Northern Sky series of domed, silver astronomy coins, the Royal Australian Mint launched a domed gold coin in February this year that expanded the concept in a different direction. Eschewing colour and direct representations of the night sky, that coin chose instead to feature a look at the Eastern Hemisphere as depicted on an eighteenth century map.

This second coin heads off to the Western hemisphere and goes back even further in time, to 1626 for its inspiration. The New and Accurate Map of the World by John Speed is considered a landmark work, despite many errors (California is an island!). The original work is full of details and artwork, such as portraits of Ferdinand Magellan, Oliver Vander Noort, Thomas Cavendish and Sir Francis Drake, an astronomical table and lengthy notes. The coin obviously can’t fit everything in, so is concentrated around the view of the New World. It has maintained much in the way of period detailing and the whole thing is very well realised and full of cool touches.

The obverse is of course, centred around the ubiquitous effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, without any additional adornment, but at least the necessary issue inscriptions are placed here away from the reverse face. Very nicely packaged in a quality wooden box, this one-ounce fine gold coin comes with a certificate of authenticity and just 750 will be available. A pricey piece at $2’795.00 AUD, it’s nevertheless a fine looking issue and should fine plenty of buyers amongst collectors of classic designs. Available now.

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MINTS DESCRIPTION

Artistry, craftsmanship and history combine in a new gold domed coin released today by the Royal Australian Mint (the Mint).

The 2018 $100 Gold Proof Domed Coin captures the Western Hemisphere as depicted on a richly-decorated 1626 map by English cartographer John Speed titled A New and Accurate Map of the World.

Royal Australian Mint Chief Executive Officer Ross MacDiarmid says the exclusive domed coin is the second and final release in the popular Terrestrial Gold Dome series.

“We have seen incredible demand for our domed coins and are proud to continue the Mint’s reputation for producing world-class and innovative coins with the Terrestrial Gold Dome series,” he said.

“The design of the 1626 A New Map of the World coin reflects the detailed artwork of a beautiful and fascinating 17th century map and truly captures the excitement and opulence of an age of discovery.”

Struck from one ounce of gold and finished to the Mint’s high quality proof standard, the 2018 $100 Gold Proof Domed Coin reflects the magnificence of the era and is expected to captivate collectors worldwide.

SPECIFICATION
DENOMINATION $100 Australia
COMPOSITION 0.9999 gold
WEIGHT 31.1 grams
DIMENSIONS 38.51 mm
FINISH Proof
MODIFICATIONS Concave strike
MINTAGE 750
BOX / COA Yes / Yes