Tokelau – 2012 – 5 Dollars – HMS Dolphin (small gold) (PROOF)

Description

Metal: Gold .9999
Weight: 0.5 g
Diameter: 11 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 15’000 pcs.

As the first ship worldwide, the HMS Dolphin circumnavigated the Earth twice. On theses adventurous voyages, the 24-gun frigate was used as a battle- and research vessel. The HMS Dolphin was launched in 1751 in the Woolwich Dockyards in London and was deployed in the Seven Year War and the Sea Battle of Minorca under the command of Admiral John Byng in 1756. Eight years later John Byron took over the command of the 160-manned ship. With the HMS Dolphin he discovered several paradisical islands such as Tokelau and a few Gilbert Islands in 1765. In spite of the long sea voyage, the ship returned to London in excellent condition, thanks to the copper plates which encased the hull planks. Due to this, the dreaded ship woodworm, prevalent at that time, had no chance of destroying the ship.