The Perth Mint :: Great Maritime Explorers of Australia

This magnificent Four-Coin Set, inspired by the 400th anniversary of the first-recorded European contact with Australia, pays tribute to four famous navigators and explorers who helped 'discover' Terra Australis Incognita - the Unknown Southern Land.
Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
Each coin is struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.
Coloured Reverse Designs
The central design element of each coin portrays a coloured image of an historic ship that encountered the Australian continent during the 17th or 18th centuries:

Under the command of Willem Janszoon, the crew of the Dutch ship Duyfken became the first-known Europeans to sight and chart the Australian coast at Cape York in 1606. The coloured image is surrounded by a representation of a ship's compass, the letters VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Co) and the words WILLEM JANSZOON 1606 FIRST EUROPEAN DISCOVERY OF AUSTRALIA.
Strong winds forced English pirate William Dampier south of Timor in late 1687 and to repair the dilapidated Cygnet on the north-west coast of Australia. The coloured image is surrounded by a decorative border of rope and native vegetation, as well as a portrait of the infamous buccaneer and explorer. The design includes the words WILLIAM DAMPIER 1688 BRITISH DISCOVERY OF AUSTRALIA.
Abel Tasman led a VOC expedition comprising two small ships, the Heemskerck and the Zeehaen, to Van Dieman's Land (Tasmania) in 1642. The coloured image is surrounded by a representation of a ship's compass and a portrait of the famous Dutch seafarer. The design includes the words ABEL TASMAN 1642 DISCOVERY OF VAN DIEMAN'S LAND.
After making the first landing at Botany Bay in 1770, James Cook sailed the Endeavour northwards to Cape York where he took possession of Australia's east coast in the name of King George III. The coloured image is surrounded by a representation of a ship's wheel and a portrait of the Royal Navy captain. The design includes the words JAMES COOK 1770 DISCOVERY OF EASTERN AUSTRALIA.

Issued as Legal Tender
Each 2006-dated coin, which bears Raphael Maklouf's effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse, is issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu.
Timber Presentation Case
Accompanied by a 12-page coloured booklet with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, each set is housed in a luxury timber case and stylish outer box.
Free Telescope
Each Four-Coin Set comes with a working replica of an antique telescope and timber case worth $75.

Extremely Limited Release
Just 1,606 sets will be released.
Commissioned Product