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The 2018 Canada Proof Set commemorating Captain Cook at Nootka Sound is a distinguished numismatic release from the Royal Canadian Mint, issued to mark the 240th anniversary of Captain James Cook’s historic arrival on the Pacific Northwest coast of what is now British Columbia. In 1778, during his third and final voyage of exploration, Captain Cook anchored in Nootka Sound, establishing early contact between European explorers and the Indigenous Nuu-chah-nulth people. This momentous encounter is recognized as a significant event in Canadian and global exploration history. The proof set’s centerpiece is a beautifully crafted, selectively gold-plated $1 coin that honors this chapter in maritime discovery with rich historical symbolism and exceptional minting quality.
The highlight of the 2018 Proof Set is the specially designed $1 coin that features selective 24-karat gold plating and a dynamic historical scene. Designed by artist Maskull Lasserre, the reverse of the coin depicts the HMS *Resolution*, Cook’s ship, anchored in the calm waters of Nootka Sound. In the foreground, a large sailing canoe representing the Nuu-chah-nulth people approaches the vessel, symbolizing the first contact between cultures. The ship’s bow and central mast are gilded in bright gold, creating an elegant contrast with the rest of the design. The fine detailing of the masts, sails, and figures—along with the mirrored proof finish—offers collectors a visually arresting scene infused with historical meaning.
The imagery on the commemorative coin is intentionally balanced and respectful, depicting both parties—the arriving British explorers and the resident Indigenous peoples—with dignity and nuance. The canoe is carved with traditional Indigenous designs, emphasizing the cultural richness and maritime skill of the Nuu-chah-nulth. The use of selective gold plating on the ship draws attention to the arrival of Cook while maintaining a narrative balance that highlights the importance of the moment for both groups. The design is framed with the inscriptions “CANADA,” “DOLLAR,” and the dual dates “1778–2018,” marking the anniversary and placing the event within a modern commemorative context.
The full 2018 Proof Set includes Canada’s standard circulating denominations, excluding the discontinued 1-cent coin. Included are the 5-cent, 10-cent, 25-cent, 50-cent, standard $1 (loon), $2 coins, and the special commemorative gilded $1 coin. Each of these coins is struck in sterling silver, except the bimetallic $2 coin, which combines a golden-colored inner core with a silver outer ring. The standard designs on the other coins include iconic images such as the beaver (5 cents), the Bluenose schooner (10 cents), the caribou (25 cents), the Coat of Arms (50 cents), the loon (standard $1), and the polar bear (toonie). The commemorative coin, however, replaces the standard loonie as the centerpiece of this set.
All coins in the 2018 Proof Set are struck with the Royal Canadian Mint’s highest proof standard. The proof minting process involves the use of specially prepared dies and planchets, along with multiple strikes, to produce coins with razor-sharp details and a flawless contrast between frosted designs and mirror-like backgrounds. The gilding on the commemorative $1 coin is applied with extreme precision, enhancing the focal points of the design while maintaining clarity and durability. The result is a set of coins that are not only historical artifacts but also works of numismatic art, reflecting the craftsmanship and innovation of Canada’s minting tradition.
This proof set was minted at the Royal Canadian Mint’s Ottawa facility and released with a limited mintage of just 15,000 sets. The relatively low mintage enhances its appeal to collectors, particularly those with interests in Canadian exploration, Indigenous history, or maritime themes. The set is presented in a black clamshell case with a magnetic closure and includes a custom outer sleeve decorated with thematic imagery related to Captain Cook and Nootka Sound. Inside, the coins are securely nestled in a velvet-lined tray. Each set comes with a serialized certificate of authenticity that verifies the specifications and confirms its status as a limited-edition issue.
The condition of the coins in the 2018 Proof Set is expected to be superb, owing to the careful minting process and protective packaging. These proof coins are not intended for circulation and are stored in conditions that preserve their pristine surfaces. The selective gold plating on the commemorative coin is protected by a transparent overcoat to prevent wear and tarnish. As long as the set is kept in its original case and shielded from environmental exposure, it will retain its sharp detail, luster, and collector-grade quality. On the secondary market, sets typically appear in excellent condition and often receive high certification grades such as PF69 or PF70 from third-party grading services.
Historically, Captain Cook’s arrival at Nootka Sound in March 1778 was a defining moment in the history of the Pacific Northwest. His journals and maps laid the groundwork for future exploration and trade, while his encounters with Indigenous peoples had far-reaching cultural and political consequences. The commemoration of this event through numismatics invites reflection on themes of discovery, cross-cultural contact, and the beginning of complex colonial histories. The coin’s design honors both the explorers and the Indigenous communities they encountered, presenting a balanced narrative in a medium that will endure across generations.
This proof set is particularly significant for collectors who focus on exploration-themed coinage or Canadian west coast history. It holds a unique position in the Royal Canadian Mint’s catalog as one of the few issues that commemorate a specific early event in the Pacific coast’s contact history. The coin bridges the disciplines of history, cartography, anthropology, and art, making it a richly layered collectible. It also serves as an educational tool, encouraging discussion about the legacy of exploration and its impacts, both positive and problematic, on the cultures it touched.
In conclusion, the 2018 Canada Proof Set Captain Cook at Nootka Sound Gilded is a beautifully executed numismatic piece that captures a seminal moment in Canadian exploration history. Featuring a gold-accented design of the HMS *Resolution* and a Nuu-chah-nulth canoe, this proof-quality coin highlights themes of contact, maritime prowess, and cultural intersection. With its low mintage, superb presentation, and historical importance, the set appeals to collectors, historians, and anyone interested in Canada’s complex and compelling story of exploration. It is a dignified and enduring tribute to a milestone moment on the Pacific frontier.