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- Product ID: 55729
The Canada 2018 Proof Silver Dollar commemorating Captain Cook at Nootka Sound is a beautifully executed coin that pays tribute to one of the most pivotal encounters in the history of Canada’s Pacific coast. Issued by the Royal Canadian Mint, this proof silver dollar honors the 240th anniversary of Captain James Cook’s arrival at Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island in 1778, a moment that marked the first known European contact with the Nuu-chah-nulth people. Cook’s exploration of the Pacific Northwest helped open the region to European mapping, trade, and eventual settlement, making this coin a significant historical remembrance for both Canadian and maritime history enthusiasts. As part of the Mint’s long-running proof silver dollar series, this 2018 issue combines fine artistry with historical narrative, appealing strongly to numismatists and history collectors alike.
The design of the 2018 Captain Cook at Nootka Sound Proof Silver Dollar was crafted by Canadian artist Maskull Lasserre, who created a dynamic and historically respectful depiction of this 18th-century meeting. The reverse features a scene showing Captain Cook and his crew arriving by longboat at the shores of Nootka Sound, where they are greeted by the local Nuu-chah-nulth people. Cook is depicted standing at the bow of the boat, extending his arm in a gesture of greeting or negotiation, while figures on shore respond in kind. Surrounding this scene is the inscription “CANADA DOLLAR” with the commemorative dates “1778–2018,” marking the anniversary. The design is filled with rich details, including the rigging of the longboat, the shoreline vegetation, and the clothing of both the sailors and the Indigenous people, providing an evocative snapshot of a key historical event. The obverse of the coin bears the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, along with the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II,” “D. G. REGINA,” and the year “2018.”
The Royal Canadian Mint is renowned globally for its exceptional quality and artistry, and the 2018 Captain Cook Proof Silver Dollar is no exception. Struck in 99.99% fine silver, the coin features a flawless proof finish, with frosted devices set against deeply mirrored fields, enhancing the drama and texture of the design. The Mint employs state-of-the-art technology and master craftsmanship to ensure that each proof coin meets the highest standards of sharpness, detail, and clarity. This silver dollar has a diameter of 36 mm and a weight of 23.17 grams, consistent with the specifications of modern Canadian proof silver dollars. Each coin is encapsulated to protect its pristine surfaces and presented in a maroon Royal Canadian Mint clamshell case, accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity that verifies its limited production and precious metal content.
The mintage for the 2018 Captain Cook at Nootka Sound Proof Silver Dollar was set at 20,000 pieces worldwide, making it a relatively limited-issue coin within the Royal Canadian Mint’s commemorative lineup. Such a mintage ensures its appeal among both Canadian coin collectors and those with an interest in exploration history, maritime heritage, or Pacific Northwest Indigenous culture. The limited availability means that collectors who secure this coin shortly after release are positioned to benefit from its long-term desirability, as later secondary market availability often becomes more constrained, especially for coins in flawless condition with complete original packaging and documentation.
Condition is critical when assessing the value and appeal of the 2018 Captain Cook Proof Silver Dollar. As a proof coin, it was intended strictly for collectors and not for circulation, so surviving examples are generally found in pristine, mint-state condition. Coins that remain encapsulated, free from scratches, hazing, or spotting, and accompanied by their original packaging and certificate are the most desirable. When professionally graded by services such as NGC or PCGS, top-tier examples can receive grades of PF69 or PF70, indicating near-perfect or perfect preservation under magnification. Such certified pieces command premium prices in the market, particularly among collectors who focus on modern Canadian numismatics or specialized historical themes.
The visual impact of the 2018 Captain Cook Proof Silver Dollar is exceptional, thanks to its detailed design and the use of contrasting proof finishes. The frosted figures, boats, and natural elements stand out vividly against the mirrored background, lending the scene a sense of depth and movement. The artistry captures the tension and curiosity of the historic meeting, blending a sense of historical authenticity with numismatic beauty. Collectors appreciate not only the craftsmanship but also the storytelling embedded in the coin, which connects modern Canada to its early encounters between European explorers and Indigenous nations, a history that continues to shape the country’s identity and conversations today.
The historical significance of the Captain Cook at Nootka Sound event cannot be overstated. Cook’s arrival in 1778 marked the first detailed European exploration of Canada’s western coastline and initiated contact between Europeans and the Indigenous Nuu-chah-nulth people, who had long thrived in the rich maritime environment of Vancouver Island. Cook’s maps and journals opened the door for future exploration, trade, and ultimately colonization, leaving a legacy that is both celebrated for its contributions to navigation and remembered for its impacts on Indigenous cultures. By commemorating this anniversary with a silver proof dollar, the Royal Canadian Mint offers not only a collectible object but also a reflective piece that acknowledges the complex and often challenging history of Canada’s formation.
Today, the Canada 2018 Proof Silver Dollar – Captain Cook at Nootka Sound – holds a special place in the collections of those who appreciate historical commemoratives, maritime exploration, or Canadian numismatics. Its combination of limited mintage, artistic excellence, and meaningful historical context makes it more than just a precious metal coin; it is a crafted artifact that tells a story, honors a milestone, and invites thoughtful reflection. Whether acquired as part of a complete proof dollar collection, a historical coin series, or as a standalone piece of art and history, this coin stands as a proud testament to Canada’s multifaceted past and the enduring allure of fine collectible coinage.