Famous Explorers: Banks - 2001 Unc. Cupro Nickel £2 Coin - SGA

Following the success of the 2000 issue of Explorer coins, South Goergia and the South Sandwich Islands are delighted to release a further to coins in the series,

The second coin features Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820). Born in London on 13th February 1743, from an early age Banks had a passion for Botany. As an independent natuarlist he participated in a voyage to Newfoundland and Labrador in 1767. In the same year, he was elected a Fellow of both the Royal Society and the Society of Antiquities. In 1778, he was elected President of the Royal Society, a position he held until his death in 1820.

He successfully lobbied the Royal Socety to be included on what was to be James Cook's first great voyage of discovery on board 'The Endeavour; (1768-1771). From this time, Banks was actively involved in almost every aspect of Pacific exploration and early Australian colonial life. The design on this coin shows "The Endeavour" with a cameo portrait of Banks.