In 1768, James Cook took command of HMS Endeavour and sailed for the Pacific at the behest of the Royal Society to observe the transit of Venus across the face of the sun.  Cook also carried secret orders to find the fabled great southern continent, chart its coastline and return to England with examples of the wildlife found there.

Leaving Tahiti, the expedition turned towards New Zealand and then sailed further west, becoming the first recorded Europeans to encounter the eastern coastline of New Holland.  On 29 April 1770, they landed at Botany Bay, which Cook named in recognition of the unusual specimens collected by Joseph Banks.  Heading north, Endeavour struck a coral reef and was beached at the site of Cooktown where her crew made repairs.

In August, Cook claimed the whole eastern coast from Point Hicks to Possession Island in the name of King George III as the British territory of New South Wales, inextricably linking himself with the history of Australia.

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

Each coin in this magnificent four-coin collection is struck by The Perth Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.

Coloured Reverse Designs

The reverse of each coin incorporates one of the four letters in Cook’s name and a coloured design depicting a fascinating scene from his landmark journey up the east coast of Australia.

Cook Islands Legal Tender

Each 2009 coin, which is issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of the Cook Islands, portrays the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse.

Plush Timber Presentation Case

The four coins are housed in a plush timber presentation case and illustrated box shipper.

Extremely Limited Mintage

The Captain James Cook Coin Collection is subject to an extremely limited mintage of just 1,779 – a reminder of the year in which Cook was killed in Hawaii 230 years ago.

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

Each collection is accompanied by a highly-informative, individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Free Compass Sundial

A replica antique sundial valued at $79.95 is yours free with this collection.  Crafted from solid brass and set in a timber case, the sundial features an internal magnetic compass allowing it to be oriented North, with the shadow cast by the sundial’s vane marking local time.

Coin Specifications