Item: Perth Mint Famous Naval Battles in History Series Cook Islands $1 1oz Silver Proof Coin - 2010 The Battle of Hampton Roads 1862 (3rd Release)

Issue Mint: The Perth Mint

Legal Tender: Cook Islands $1

Mintage: 5,000

Material: 1 Troy oz 99.9% Silver

Condition: Brand New in original issue condition. Each coin is housed in a presentation display case and superbly illustrated shipper, accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Issue Price: $89.5

Detailed Description

Great Naval Battles is a compelling series of five 1oz silver proof coins for those fascinated by the development of naval warfare. Like previous releases examining the Battle of Salamis 480BC and the Battle of Trafalgar 1805, the third coin marks an historic naval encounter.

During the American Civil War, the first-ever clash between two ironclad warships took place on Hampton Roads, a body of water at the confluence of the Elizabeth and James Rivers. On the Confederate side was Virginia, a wooden frigate previously known as USS Merrimack, which had been sunk and then rebuilt as an ironclad ram. On the second day of the battle, she encountered the Union Monitor. A completely new design of ironclad, her extremely low profile meant that she had no more than 18 inches of armoured deck visible above the water line.

The ships fought for several hours, mostly at close range. Neither landed a decisive blow, their armour-plating proving effective. Nevertheless, the battle marked the dawn of a new era in maritime warfare.

Technical Specifications