This pure gold collectable coin highlights Scottish explorer Alexander Mackenzie (1764-1820), whose two epic voyages pushed into the largely unmapped reaches of western and northwestern Canada. In 1789, his first expedition unexpectedly reached the shores of the Arctic Ocean after following a great river that would later bear his name. In 1793, he set out in a birch bark canoe with his cousin, two guides, six voyageurs, and a dog. Mackenzie heeded the advice of local Indigenous peoples as he led his expedition down the Peace, Fraser, and Bella Coola Rivers. While Mackenzie's determination ultimately brought him to the waters of the Pacific, he was forced to turn back without reaching the open sea—but not before leaving a record of his journey and achievement, with these simple words painted on a rock:

Alex Mackenzie
from Canada
by land
22^D July 1793

All collectable coins have been previously owned. Conditions will vary.

Metal Type: Gold

Purity: 99.99

Mint: RCM

Year: 2017

Mintage: 1,000

Diameter: 29 mm

Weight: 15.43g

Packaging: RCM branded maroon clamshell with black box and certificate

Artists: John Mantha (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)