Tuvalu 2006 Silver Four Coin Proof Set

Great Maritime Explorers of Australia

Pays tribute to four famous navigators and explorers who helped "discover" the continent of Australia.

Each of the four coins in this set has been struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality, and features 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 DIEMEN'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.

The set is housed in a faux wooden presentation case, with a full-colour certificate of authenticity and a coloured outer shipper.

The coins, box and outer case all remain in excellent condition, the original certificate of authenticity is also included.

SKU: 17746