We are pleased to present a coin which opens an extraordinary series "Famous Explorers". As the name suggests, it will be dedicated to the most important travellers in human history. The whole series will create 6 unique coins.

Pioneers of unknown lands

People have been curious about the world around them for centuries. They wanted to learn the secrets of nature, discover new lands. They were interested in what is behind the mountain peaks, where are sources of rivers. The expeditions of the first travellers were often dangerous, but their benefits rewarded all hardships. For several thousand years, people have been travelling for commercial purposes, but they have also been engaged in warfare and conquering new territories. Without modern inventions, long sea journeys would not have been possible. Initially, they only sailed along the coast. Only daredevils would venture into unknown waters. And it was the bravest ones who went down in history as great, famous explorers. 

Zheng He - discoverer and general

Zheng He was one of the most eminent admirals in the history of humanity. Taken prisoner by the army at the age of 10, he became a servant of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty. Already as a trusted and faithful official in the emperor's entourage, Zheng He received a mission from the ambitious ruler to build a powerful fleet and set off on an expedition through the "Western oceans".  

Almost 28 000 people on 300 ships took part in the first expedition - a huge undertaking! During seven expeditions between 1405 and 1433 the fleet reached, among others, the port town of Kalikat on the Indian Peninsula, the departure of the Persian Gulf and Mozambique in Africa. The fleet intervened militarily in Ceylon and Sumatra, among others, and Zheng He established diplomatic relations with most of the places visited.

The great admiral's expeditions have contributed to the development of trade and knowledge of navigation, but they were above all a demonstration of the Chinese power and short-term domination of the Chinese empire at sea. Unfortunately, after the Admiral's death and the change of policy by the authorities, the expeditions ceased, and the powerful fleet fell into decline and was forgotten for years.

Zheng He - coin

The coin minted from 2 ounces of pure silver, with original, oxidised finish with an antique look.

On the reverse side we see Admiral Zheng He, who looks intimidatingly at the new lands on the horizon. In the background there is a baochuan ship - the largest of the Chinese Admiral's fleet. An additional decoration and colourful accent is a hand-painted porcelain insert, which reflects the minutest details.  The insert has a symbolic character - the porcelain was invented in China in the 7th century!

The richly decorated obverse, on the other hand, refers to the Chinese origin of the discoverer by showing the famous Mulong tower, a classic of Chinese architecture. The coin is packed in an elegant wooden box with a certificate of authenticity. We have limited the mintage to only 500 pieces. 

Author: Izabela Lemańczyk