Australia’s gold Captain Cook domed map coin is now available in a more affordable silver version

There have been a few Captain Cook coins released over the last year or so, from MDM’s mother of pearl Endeavour issues, through Downies neat three coin set, and onto the Royal Mint’s range. Back in February, the Royal Australian Mint (RAM) debuted one of its domed strikes depicting early 19th-century map of the world based on Cook’s voyages. A pretty piece, the one-ounce gold format lifted its price out of the reach of most collectors.

Fast forward to today and the RAM is finally issuing the coin in the ultra-popular one-ounce fine silver format. Fortunately, there are no real changes to the original, so the design hasn’t been ‘dumbed-down’ and it still exhibits a high level of detail. As before, the convex reverse face reproduces, as best it can in a sub-40 mm piece of metal, a copy of the 1812 Map of the World by Anglo-Scottish mezzotint engraver and publisher, Robert Laurie and James Whittle. The design on the coin shows the route taken by Cook, although the original also included other explorers.

The obverse is a typical Australian one – just the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II surrounded by the usual coin information. Packaging consists of the standard RAM coin box (they’re decent ones), with an enclosed certificate of authenticity. The mintage is capped at 5,000 and the mint is already imposing purchase number restrictions – you can have just one. It can be ordered directly from the mint for $125.00 AUD, or from one of their many dealers worldwide. A pretty cool classic style coin and one we’re sure will prove popular. Available now.