Marco Polo (1254 – 1324) was an Italian merchant traveller from Venice, who recorded his travels in Livres des Merveilles du Monde (Book of the Marvels of the World, also known as The Travels of Marco Polo). This account did much to introduce Europe to Central Asia and Chinese culture.
Marco Polo learned the mercantile trade from his father and uncle, who travelled through Asia and met Kublai Khan. In 1271, the three embarked on a journey which would lead to 17 years spent in China. From his travels, Polo amassed great knowledge of the Mongol Empire. He marvelled at the use of paper money, and was in awe of its economy and scale of production.
Soon after returning to Venice in 1295, war broke out with the rival city of Genoa. While in command of a ship, Polo was captured and imprisoned. It was during this period of time that he dictated stories of his travels to a cellmate. In 1299 he was released, and went on to become a wealthy merchant. While his writings were published in French, Italian, and Latin, few readers allowed themselves to believe his tales of strange lands far away.
Although he was not the first European to reach China, Marco Polo’s detailed account of his experiences was ground breaking for its time. These writings went on to inspire Christopher Columbus and many other travellers. In the centuries since his death Marco Polo has received recognition that was not given during his lifetime, as much of his journey of discovery has been verified.
 
REVERSE 
This beautiful fully engraved, high-relief coin has an antique finish. The illustration shows the moment of Marco Polo meeting the great Kublai Khan. This scene is set in a stronghold of the powerful Mongol Empire which Polo marvelled so much at discovering.

OBVERSE
This features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
 

PACKAGING
 
This 2 oz Silver Coin is presented in a timber treasure chest with a uniquely numbered certificate of authenticity. This in turn sits within a draw string sack, modelled on those used to transport materials to trade around the globe on great Journeys of Discovery throughout history.

The coin is not encapsulated

JOURNEYS OF DISCOVERY - MARCO POLO - 2015 NEW ZEALAND MINT COINS 01 is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 12- NEW ZEALAND MINT / 01- FINE SILVER COINS and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.