2015 Journeys of Discovery 2 oz. Silver - Marco Polo

First Coin in the New “Journeys of Discovery” Series

Marco Polo (1254 - 1324) was an Italian merchant traveler 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 traveled 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 marveled 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 travelers. In the centuries since his death Marco Polo has received recognition that was not given during his life time, as much of his journey of discovery has been verified.

This beautiful fully engraved, high-relief coin has an antique finish. The illustration shows the moment of Marco Polo meeting the great Kublai Khan. This scene is set in a stronghold of the powerful Mongol Empire which Polo marveled so much at discovering.

Issued by New Zealand Mint as legal tender of the South Pacific island nation of Niue, the coin’s obverse features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2015 year-date and the monetary denomination.

This Marco Polo 2 oz. Silver Coin marks the first release in our new Journeys of Discovery Coin Collection. Each release will be presented in a timber treasure chest with a uniquely numbered certificate of authenticity. This in turn will be packed in a protective draw string sack, modelled on those used to transport materials to trade around the globe on great Journeys of Discovery throughout history.

Call 1-888-726-5558 to place your order by phone and receive discounts when you pay by check or bank wire.