145th Anniversary of the Birth of Sir Ernest Shackleton - 2019 Unc. Cupro Nickel Coin

Born on 15^th February 1874, Sir Ernest Shackleton wanted to be an explorer from a very early age, inspired by faraway places that he had read about as a boy.  At the age of 16, bored by the school curriculum, he went to work in the Merchant Navy.  His big break came when he was 27 years old when he was selected to join Robert Falcon Scott’s Discovery Expedition. Departing England on 31^st July 1901, it was the first major British exploration of the Antarctic for sixty years.

This expedition ended prematurely for Shackleton as he was sent home early on account of ill health.  He did however receive the Royal Geographical Society Silver Medal for his involved.  Shackleton did not let this deter him and he became the most decorated of all polar explorers, being awarded more than 40 medals and awards.