Item:  2012 Ships That Changed The World - USS Constitution 1oz Silver Proof Coin

Issue Mint: The Perth Mint

Legal Tender: Tuvalu $1

Maximum Mintage: 5,000

Material: 1 Troy oz 99.9% Silver

Condition: Brand New in original issue condition. Coin is housed in a presentation case with a themed, customised shipper and accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity

Issue Price: $107

Release Date: 7 February 2012

Theme Background:

The fourth release in this charming series features the USS Constitution, a wooden-hulled, three-masted, heavy frigate of the United States Navy. President George Washington named the ship after the Constitution of the United States of America. She was launched in 1797 and is the world's oldest floating commissioned naval vessel.

The Constitution was one of six frigates authorised for construction under the Naval Act of 1794. Built in Boston, Massachusetts, her first duties with the newly formed United States Navy were to provide protection for American merchant shipping during the Quasi War with France, and to defeat the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War.

The Constitution is renowned for her defeat of five British warships during the 1812 war against Great Britain. Her prowess earned her the nickname of ‘Old Ironsides’ and public adulation has repeatedly saved her from demolition.

In the 1840’s the Constitution acted as the nation’s flagship and circumnavigated the world. During the American Civil War she was used as a naval training ship. In 1878 she carried artwork and industrial displays to the famous Paris Exposition.

Retired from active service, she was designated a museum ship in 1907. In 1931, she started a three-year 90-port tour of the nation, and in 1997, again sailed under her own power for her 200th birthday.

Today, the Constitution is a fully commissioned US Navy ship with an active-duty crew of 60 personnel. The ship and crew participate in ceremonies, educational programs, and special events whilst remaining open to visitors all year-round. She is berthed at Pier 1, Bunker Hill, Boston, USA.

Struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality, the coin is issued as legal tender under theauthority of the Government of Tuvalu.

Design

The coin’s reverse depicts a representation of USS Constitution in full sail, set against a coloured globe map and the inscription USS CONSTITUTION. The design also incorporates The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

The coin’s obverse depicts the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2012 year-date and the monetary denomination.

PREVIOUS RELEASE:

• Santa Maria (Close to sell out)
• Golden Hind
• Mayflower (Close to sell out)

FUTURE RELEASES:

• Cutty Sark

Technical Specifications