2019 A New Map of the World 1626 Columbus, Drake, Cavendish and Magellan Domed Five Dollar Silver Proof Coin

The stunning design of this coin is based on a 1626 map by the famous cartographer John Speed. It shows the Western Hemisphere as it was depicted on Speed's opulently-decorated map, produced during the great Age of Discovery.

A New and Accurate Map of the World was originally published in 1626 in an atlas called Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World. The highly decorated map was often removed from the Atlas to be displayed as a piece of art.

The map includes astronomical drawings, mythical figures, and portraits of famous navigators Drake, Magellan, Cavendish and Van Der Noort.

The Western Hemisphere of the map, which is featured on the exquisite domed silver coin, includes a mention of explorer Christopher Columbus and his 1492 discovery of America.
Interestingly, California is depicted as an Island; a concept that dated from the 1500's.

An original print of the map and one of the very first English published world maps is held in the collection of the National Library of Australia and can be viewed on their Website