Travel back to 1778 with this large 50 mm two ounce $30 pure silver coin enhanced with fine gold plating. After exploring the South Pacific and crossing the Antarctic Circle during his previous two voyages, Captain James Cook (1728-1779) came north on his third epic Pacific voyage, eventually reaching our western shores in 1778. The coin captures a spectacular view of the HMS Resolution as it anchors off Nootka Sound, and adds a second perspective by including one of the native Mowachaht people who greeted the expedition. Collectability is enhanced with a low mintage of just 4,000. As a pure silver coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint, this item is HST/GST exempt.

The Design:

The reverse image by Neil Hamelin depicts Captain Cook’s expedition sailing into Nootka Sound at the end of March 1778. Viewed from the ocean-going canoe in the foreground, HMS Resolution is a towering sight on the water, as the Mowachaht beach keeper and his companions are paddling out to greet the ship and its crew. Dressed in traditional clothing, the beach keeper stands with one arm raised while his right hand grips a paddle bearing a traditional motif. The reverse includes the engraved face value “30 DOLLARS” and the word “CANADA” and features a double date “1778-2018”. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.