Captain Cook - Second Voyage - 1 Oz - Silver Proof Collector Coin

This eye-catching coin is a masterpiece of maritime memorabilia and a tribute to the intrepid explorer who sought to prove the existence or non-existence of the great southern landmass. Struck in Proof standard from 1 ounce of pure, lustrous 99.9% silver, the coin's crown-sized side provides the perfect canvas for the exquisite depiction of Cook's Resolution in full sail.

The background of this iconic ship is in a striking full-colour finish that creates a striking contrast. The outline of the full colour motif shows Captain Cook in silhouette profile, demonstrating the depth of thought that has gone into creating this stunning tribute! Each coin is the official currency of the island of Niue, which Cook first sighted during his second voyage in 1774, and also bears a portrait of King Charles III by Jody Clark of the Royal Mint.

Second Pacific Voyage (1772-75)

Boundless energy and a thirst for adventure prompted Captain Cook to embark on his second Pacific voyage in 1772.

Although he circumnavigated New Zealand and charted the east coast of Australia during his first voyage, many still believed that there was another great southern landmass - Terra Australis Incognita. After being praised after his first voyage, Cook's main task on his second expedition was to determine the truth or falsity of this theory. After delays caused by the unreasonable demands of Joseph Banks, the expedition set sail in the ships Resolution and Adventure in July 1772.

In January 1773, Cook crossed the Antarctic Circle for the first time aboard the Resolution, a feat he would accomplish twice more during the 100,000 km voyage.

After nearly reaching the Antarctic mainland, Cook embarked on an extensive voyage across the Pacific Ocean. By sailing through most of the predicted locations on his second voyage, Cook pretty much put an end to the idea that there was a vast southern continent.

Overall, the second voyage was a huge success. Not only did it settle the debate over the existence of Terra Australis Incognita, but Cook had gone further south than anyone before him and produced maps of the Pacific Ocean that were so accurate that they were still in use in the 20th century. Due to his many achievements on this famous expedition, Cook was promoted and celebrated by the Admiralty, the Royal Society and the House of Lords.