Description
Niue- 2015 – 2 OZ Silver Proof Coin- Journeys of discovery – Marco Polo!!
A memorable collectible celebrating exploration of our world! The stories of the adventures of Marco Polo inspired many other travelers, including Christopher Columbus.
The Travels of Marco Polo were originally dictated to a cell mate of Polo while imprisoned in Genoa. The story was embellished with his fellow inmates personal anecdotes as well as other stories and current affairs in China. This provided Europeans with their first complete view of the Far East.
The reverse of this coin features the first meeting of Marco Polo with the great Mongol ruler, Kublai Khan at Dadu, the site of modern day Beijing. Khan received Polo with hospitality and is handing him a letter which he asked Polo to deliver to the Pope. The background is filled with street scenes from Dadu.
The coin features a wonderful antique finish, and is held in a wooden box with with metal accents and clasp. An ancient appearing printed Certificate of Authenticity is held in the inner box lid. The box is held in a drawstring burlap bag, much like goods of the day would have travelled.
With mintage limited to only 2000, this beautifully packaged coin will always have durable demand.
Coin Story
Marco Polo (1254 – 1324) was an Italian merchant traveller from Venice, who recorded his travels in Livres des Merveilles du Monde (Book of the Marvels of the World, also known as The Travels of Marco Polo). This account did much to introduce Europe to Central Asia and Chinese culture.
Marco Polo learned the mercantile trade from his father and uncle, who travelled through Asia and met Kublai Khan. In 1271, the three embarked on a journey which would lead to 17 years spent in China. From his travels, Polo amassed great knowledge of the Mongol Empire. He marvelled at the use of paper money, and was in awe of its economy and scale of production.
Soon after returning to Venice in 1295, war broke out with the rival city of Genoa. While in command of a ship, Polo was captured and imprisoned. It was during this period of time that he dictated stories of his travels to a cellmate. In 1299 he was released, and went on to become a wealthy merchant. While his writings were published in French, Italian, and Latin, few readers allowed themselves to believe his tales of strange lands far away.
Although he was not the first European to reach China, Marco Polo’s detailed account of his experiences was ground breaking for its time. These writings went on to inspire Christopher Columbus and many other travellers. In the centuries since his death Marco Polo has received recognition that was not given during his lifetime, as much of his journey of discovery has been verified.
- Coin Metal: 999 Fine Silver
- Coin Weight: 2 oz
- Coin Finish: Antique
- Coin Diameter: 40mm (Nominal)
- Coin Edge: Milled
- Coin Denomination: $5
- Year of Issue: 2015
- Coin Mintage: 2,000
- Effigy : Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
- Country of Issue : Niue
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