240th Anniversary of Captain Cook at Nootka Sound - Special Edition Silver Dollar Proof Set (2018)

In 1778, the search for the fabled Northwest Passage brought Captain James Cook to Canada’s West Coast, where his month-long stay left an indelible imprint on our history. Available only as part of this set, this commemorative proof dollar features a highly detailed design enhanced with selective colour, which highlights Cook, his ship and a Mowachaht chief amid the engraved beauty of the land that brought them all together.

• ONLY AVAILABLE AS PART OF THE SET! Through a striking mix of symbolic imagery and selective colour, this special edition proof dollar commemorates the 240th anniversary of Captain James Cook’s arrival and stay at Nootka Sound, on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
• IMPECCABLE CRAFTSMANSHIP! Struck in 99.99% pure silver, your commemorative proof dollar features a classic and powerful reverse design—one that is painstakingly brought to life by a wealth of finely engraved, carefully sculpted details and a superb mix of finishes!
• SELECTIVE COLOUR! The use of selective colour on your proof dollar highlights the principal participants in this story: Cook, his ship (HMS Resolution), and a Mowachaht chief.
• EVERY ENGRAVED DETAIL ADDS TO THE STORY! A textured map of Vancouver Island provides more than geographic context—the topographic map is also a nod to Cook’s cartographic legacy.
• CAREFULLY HAND-SELECTED! Every coin has been carefully hand-selected to ensure you get the best samples of their kind!
• INCLUDES SERIALIZED CERTIFICATE! The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coin sets.

Artist Maskull Lasserre combines elements of cartography, portraiture and maritime history to craft a poignant historical representation of Captain Cook at Nootka Sound on your coin. Framed by nautical rope, the imposing beauty of the tree-lined coast edges the scene and suggests Cook’s presence at Nootka Sound as viewed from the perspective of the Mowachaht people. A chief, wearing a distinctive hat associated with Mowachaht expertise in hunting whales, faces Cook and HMS Resolution, which was anchored in a cove on today’s Bligh Island.  Selective colour highlights the chief, the vessel commanded by Cook, and a profile portrait of the legendary navigator, who seemingly meets the whaler’s gaze. In the background, the topographic map of Vancouver Island is a nod to Cook’s legacy as a cartographer, while a circular location marker provides geographic context to this historic event. The reverse includes the engraved word “CANADA” and the face value “DOLLAR”. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

• Cook served as master of HMS Pembroke during the Seven Years’ War, where he participated in the Siege of Louisbourg and the Battle of Quebec.
• Between 1762 and 1768, Cook’s surveying activity produced the first large-scale, scientifically accurate charts of Newfoundland’s coastal waters.
• George Vancouver was a midshipman onboard HMS Resolution during Cook’s second voyage, and served on Discovery during Cook’s third voyage. As Captain, he returned to Nootka Sound in 1792 while surveying the coast of British Columbia—including the island that bears his name.

Your set of Canadian coinage is safely enclosed in a book-style packaging made of maroon pleather that provides an elegant presentation time and time again, whether you’re proudly showcasing or repeatedly admiring this treasured addition to your collection.

Order yours today!