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HMS Resolution
sails the icy Antarctic waters!
Captain James Cook becomes the first person in history to cross the
Antarctic Circle in 1773 on this gorgeous one troy
ounce pure gold proof, struck in full color with a frosted
cameo proof finish. With a tiny mintage of just 99, don't delay!
At about a ¼ past 11 o'clock we cross'd the Antarctic Circle...and are undoubtedly the first and only Ship that ever cross'd that line.
- Captain James Cook, 17 January 1773
On January 17, 1773, Captain James Cook and his crew aboard his flagship, HMS Resolution made the first recorded crossing of the Antarctic circle, thus becoming the first Europeans to lay eyes on the unspoiled wonders of that pristine icy wilderness. Cook came within about 75 miles (120 km) of the Antarctic coast before retreating in the face of field ice.
In 1775, Cook predicted the existence of a polar continent south of Australia, calling it "probable," and in another copy of his journal he wrote: "[I] firmly believe it and it's more than probable that we have seen a part of it". Captain James Cook can rightfully be considered the first in a long line of Antarctic explorers, including Amundsen, Byrd, Hillary, Mawson, Scott, and Shackleton.
On this stunning proof finish investment grade gem, Cook’s impressive flagship HMS Resolution is depicted under full sail, surrounded by an ultra-realistic icy seascape in stunning relief, minted on one full troy ounce of pure gold. Cutting edge digital minting techniques enhance the frozen beauty of the Antarctic environment with depth of color, inspiring the sense of wonder and awe that Cook and his crew must have felt.
With a tiny mintage of just 99, this truly rare proof is certain to go fast at our below issue, wholesale-direct price!
Captain James Cook
Captain James Cook was a British explorer, cartographer and naval officer famous for the three voyages of discovery he made between 1768 and 1779 to the Pacific Ocean, and to New Zealand and Australia in particular. Prior to these, he made detailed maps of the coast of Newfoundland. During his three voyages to the Pacific he made the first recorded European contact with eastern Australia at Botany Bay, paving the way for British settlement. He discovered the Hawaiian Islands (which he named the Sandwich Islands), as well as made the first recorded circumnavigation of New Zealand. Cook was also the first person in recorded history to sail into Antarctic waters, 250 years ago in 1773, an achievement this coin commemorates. The Antarctic circle is the most southerly of the five major circles of latitude. The region south of this circle is known as the Antarctic.
During his Pacific voyages, Cook sailed tens of thousands of miles across largely uncharted areas of the globe. He mapped lands from New Zealand to Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean in greater detail and on a scale not previously charted by Western explorers. He surveyed and named features, and recorded islands and coastlines on European maps for the first time. He displayed the rare combination of seamanship, superior surveying and cartographic skills, physical courage, and an ability to lead men in adverse conditions that made him one of the great explorers in history.
In 1779, during Cook's third exploratory voyage in the Pacific, tensions escalated between his men and the natives of Hawaii, where an attempt to kidnap a chief led to Cook's death. Cook died at the age of 50, but he left a legacy of scientific and geographical knowledge that influenced his successors well into the 20th century. Numerous memorials worldwide have been dedicated to him.
Obverse
Captain James Cook's flagship HMS Resolution advances through icy Antarctic waters under full sail. Meticulously and realistically rendered, the engraving is so detailed that individual lines of rigging can be discerned. The legend CAPTAIN COOK CROSSES THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE indicates the theme.
Reverse
The public seal (coat of arms) of the island nation of Niue. The slogan ATUA NIUE TUKULAGI translates as "God, Niue Forever". The date of issue and denomination also appear, while the legend 1 OZ 9999 GOLD guarantees the weight and purity.
Packaging
The coin is encapsulated inside a luxurious clamshell-style presentation case, lined with black velvet and satin, and protected by a gold and black outer cardboard box. An individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included.
The image of the back side of the certificate is a mint-supplied image intended for general reference only. The serial number in the image is NOT indicative of the serial number you will receive!
At about a ¼ past 11 o'clock we cross'd the Antarctic Circle...and are undoubtedly the first and only Ship that ever cross'd that line.
- Captain James Cook, 17 January 1773
On January 17, 1773, Captain James Cook and his crew aboard his flagship, HMS Resolution made the first recorded crossing of the Antarctic circle, thus becoming the first Europeans to lay eyes on the unspoiled wonders of that pristine icy wilderness. Cook came within about 75 miles (120 km) of the Antarctic coast before retreating in the face of field ice.
In 1775, Cook predicted the existence of a polar continent south of Australia, calling it "probable," and in another copy of his journal he wrote: "[I] firmly believe it and it's more than probable that we have seen a part of it". Captain James Cook can rightfully be considered the first in a long line of Antarctic explorers, including Amundsen, Byrd, Hillary, Mawson, Scott, and Shackleton.
On this stunning proof finish investment grade gem, Cook’s impressive flagship HMS Resolution is depicted under full sail, surrounded by an ultra-realistic icy seascape in stunning relief, minted on one full troy ounce of pure gold. Cutting edge digital minting techniques enhance the frozen beauty of the Antarctic environment with depth of color, inspiring the sense of wonder and awe that Cook and his crew must have felt.
With a tiny mintage of just 99, this truly rare proof is certain to go fast at our below issue, wholesale-direct price!
Captain James Cook
Captain James Cook was a British explorer, cartographer and naval officer famous for the three voyages of discovery he made between 1768 and 1779 to the Pacific Ocean, and to New Zealand and Australia in particular. Prior to these, he made detailed maps of the coast of Newfoundland. During his three voyages to the Pacific he made the first recorded European contact with eastern Australia at Botany Bay, paving the way for British settlement. He discovered the Hawaiian Islands (which he named the Sandwich Islands), as well as made the first recorded circumnavigation of New Zealand. Cook was also the first person in recorded history to sail into Antarctic waters, 250 years ago in 1773, an achievement this coin commemorates. The Antarctic circle is the most southerly of the five major circles of latitude. The region south of this circle is known as the Antarctic.
During his Pacific voyages, Cook sailed tens of thousands of miles across largely uncharted areas of the globe. He mapped lands from New Zealand to Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean in greater detail and on a scale not previously charted by Western explorers. He surveyed and named features, and recorded islands and coastlines on European maps for the first time. He displayed the rare combination of seamanship, superior surveying and cartographic skills, physical courage, and an ability to lead men in adverse conditions that made him one of the great explorers in history.
In 1779, during Cook's third exploratory voyage in the Pacific, tensions escalated between his men and the natives of Hawaii, where an attempt to kidnap a chief led to Cook's death. Cook died at the age of 50, but he left a legacy of scientific and geographical knowledge that influenced his successors well into the 20th century. Numerous memorials worldwide have been dedicated to him.
Obverse
Captain James Cook's flagship HMS Resolution advances through icy Antarctic waters under full sail. Meticulously and realistically rendered, the engraving is so detailed that individual lines of rigging can be discerned. The legend CAPTAIN COOK CROSSES THE ANTARCTIC CIRCLE indicates the theme.
Reverse
The public seal (coat of arms) of the island nation of Niue. The slogan ATUA NIUE TUKULAGI translates as "God, Niue Forever". The date of issue and denomination also appear, while the legend 1 OZ 9999 GOLD guarantees the weight and purity.
Packaging
The coin is encapsulated inside a luxurious clamshell-style presentation case, lined with black velvet and satin, and protected by a gold and black outer cardboard box. An individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included.
The image of the back side of the certificate is a mint-supplied image intended for general reference only. The serial number in the image is NOT indicative of the serial number you will receive!
Specifications
| Country | Niue |
| Year of Issue | 2023 |
| Face Value | One Hundred Dollars |
| Weight | 31.135 g |
| Diameter | 38.60 mm |
| Mintage Limit | 99 |
| Finish | Proof with Color |
| Composition | .9999 Fine (Pure) Gold |
| Edge | Reeded (milled, serrated) |
| Certificate | Individually Numbered |
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