2015 Journeys of Discovery – Christopher Columbus 2oz Antiqued Silver Coin

Coin Story

Explorer and navigator Christopher Columbus (1451 - 1506) was born in Genoa, Italy. Under the patronage of the Spanish royal family, he completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. These efforts established permanent settlements and initiated Spanish colonization of the New World.

Through this, Columbus has been credited as opening up the Americas to European trade. With economic competition between European kingdoms on the rise, Columbus proposed to reach the East Indies by sailing westward. This daring plan was seen as a chance to establish new trade routes with Asia. In August of 1492, after 36 days of sailing, Columbus set foot on an island in the modern day Bahamas, rather than Japan as he had originally intended.

Returning to Spain a year later, Columbus gave a glowing, though somewhat exaggerated report and was warmly received by the Spanish court. Over the course of three more voyages, he visited the Greater and Lesser Antilles, as well as the Caribbean coast of Venezuela and Central America, claiming them for the Spanish Empire.

Though we now believe Columbus was not the first European explorer to reach the Americas, his voyages generated lasting European contact with the New World. This inaugurated a period of European exploration, conquest, trade and colonization that was to last for centuries. In what has become known as the ‘Columbian Exchange’, these expeditions set in motion a widespread transfer on a global scale. Foods from the Americas such as potatoes, tomatoes and corn became staples within Europe, while wheat from Europe became a main food source for people in the Americas.

Design

Reverse Design:

This relief engraved coin, shows the moment of Christopher Columbus landing on a beach in the New World.

Obverse Design:

This features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 

Name: Journeys of Discovery Christopher Columbus 2 oz Silver Coin
Metal: 999 Fine Silver
Finish: Antique

Weight: 2 Troy oz
Nominal Diameter: 41mm
Edge: Milled
Denomination: $5
Country of Issue: Niue
Year of Issue: 2015
Mintage: 2,000