- Mintage Limit - 5000
- Ships that changed the World - Mayflower
- Coin in capsule+with Certificate of Authenticity+BOX
Ships that changed the World - Mayflower
Mayflower was the cargo ship that transported the English separatists or pilgrims, from a site near the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, England, to Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620. Mayflower has an iconic place in American history as a symbol of European colonization. The founding fathers were a small party of dissenting Puritans who came to the New World to escape religious oppression and to practice their faith in freedom.
The Mayflower’s actual dimensions are not known, but estimates based on its load, weight and the typical size of merchant ships of its day suggest an estimated length of 90 to 110 feet and a beam (width) of approximately 25 feet. The first voyage of the Mayflower included 102 passengers, of which only half were Puritans. The rest were hired hands, servants and farmers recruited by London merchants for the originally intended destination of the mouth of the Hudson River. The crew numbered between twenty-five and thirty sailors, commanded by Captain Christopher Jones.
Mayflower blew off course and never reached the Hudson River. With winter approaching and with few options, the ship anchored in Cape Cod Bay. During the harsh winter, the passengers and crew suffered an outbreak of the contagious diseases described as a mixture of scurvy, pneumonia and tuberculosis. By spring, there were only fifty-three passengers and half the crew left alive.
In March 1621, the surviving passengers left Mayflower and eventually settled at Plymouth. These were the first permanent European settlers in New England, and second only to the Jamestown colony of 1607 in America. Longstanding tradition says that in November of 1621, Mayflower survivors celebrated a harvest festival (in conjunction with friendly Native Americans) to give thanks for their salvation, thus launching the tradition of Thanksgiving in the United States (and in the many other countries that have subsequently adopted this holiday). Mayflower, a privately commissioned vessel, returned to England in 1623. It is believed she was eventually dismantled for scrap lumber in Rotherhithe, London.
The Mayflower Pure Silver Proof Dollar is the third in the exciting Sailing Ships that Changed the World series, to be released by the Perth Mint. The complete program comprises:
Santa Maria & Christopher Columbus
Golden Hinde & Sir Francis Drake
Mayflower & The Pilgrims
USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides"
Cutty Sark Clipper Ship
Observe
A dramatic depiction of Mayflower under full sail, as she crosses the North Atlantic brining the Pilgrims to the New World! This scene is set against a backdrop of a colored globe. This scene is set against a backdrop of a colored globe. The legend MAYFLOWER defines the theme, while the legend 1 OZ 999 SILVER guarantees the weight and purity. The Perth Mint's "P" mint mark can be found at the 11:00 position near the edge.
Reserve
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of England, in crowned profile facing right. This portrait, featuring Her Majesty wearing a tiara and pearl drop earrings, was executed by the sculptor Raphael Maklouf. The legend QUEEN ELIZABETH II, the date of issue and denomination also appear.
Packaging
The coin is encapsulated inside a handsome taupe leatherette, clamshell-style presentation case, lined with black velvet and satin, and protected by a full-color outer box. An individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included.