The Around the World in 80 Days 150th Anniversary Coin from Carpathian Mint commemorates the 150th anniversary of the publication of French writer Jules Verne’s “Around the World in 80 days,” published in 1872 in France. Struck from 3 oz of .999 fine silver, the coin’s stunning high-relief design includes an antique finish and coloring on the elephant. This piece from the Carpathian Mint deserves to be seen in person. Only then will one appreciate the detail and the intricate design this coin has to offer. Only 500 of this remarkable tribute to “Around the World in 80 Days” are available globally, so act now to secure yours!

Background
Around the World in Eighty Days was written during difficult times, both for France and Verne. It was during the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871) when Verne served in the coast guard. Because his previous works had not been paid royalties, Verne was experiencing financial difficulties. On top of this, his father had recently died and he witnessed a public execution, both of which affected him negatively.

Several 19th-century innovations transformed the way people could travel throughout the world. What once took days would now take only hours! This newfound freedom fascinated Verne and his readership.

Three events came together to revolutionize around-the-world travel: the first transcontinental railroad in the United States in 1869; the linking of the Indian railways across the sub-continent in 1870; and the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869.

These events not only made travel faster, but it allowed people to travel to distant locations around the world in comfort. It also gave people a new sense of freedom because anyone could create a travel schedule, buy tickets, and travel anywhere in the world— or go all the way around it! What once was only pursued by people willing to take on the demands and dangers of traveling to exotic locales was now able to be done quickly and safely.

Because the serial publication date was the same as the story’s closing date, December 21, 1872, many readers thought the journey was, in fact, really happening. That the story was being published for the first time also helped to convince people that the events were actually taking place. People bet on the outcome, and railway companies and ship liner companies requested that Verne include them in his novel. We don’t know if Verne accepted their proposals, but we do know that some of the rail and the shipping details seem to hint that he did.

The story

Phileas Fogg, a wealthy English gentleman living a solitary life in London, is modest and a stickler for detail. Much of his social life consists of hanging out at the Reform Club, where he is a member and spends most of his days with the club.

When his former valet brings him shaving water that is not as hot as Fogg wishes it to be, he was fired. Fogg hires Frenchman Jean Passepartout as a replacement.
While at the Reform Club on the evening of October 2, 1872, Fogg is involved in an argument over an article in The Daily Telegraph that claims that a newly opened railway section in India makes it possible to travel around the world in 80 days. His fellow club members offer to wager on completing the journey around the world within that time frame is offered, and Fogg accepts. This wager, £20,000, is half of Fogg’s fortune. To win the wager, Fogg must return to the club no later than 8:45 p.m. on December 21— exactly 80 days later. Fogg and Passepartout leave London by train at 8:45 that night and took the remaining £20,000 of Fogg’s fortune to cover expenses during their trip.

The journey

Fogg’s and Passepartout’s journey is as follows:

● London to Suez, Egypt (rail, seven days)
● Suez to Bombay, India (steamer, 13 days)
● Bombay to Calcutta, India (rail, three days)
● Calcutta to Victory, Hong Kong with a stop in Singapore (steamer, 13 days)
● Hong Kong to Yokohama, Japan (steamer, six days)
● Yokohama to San Francisco, USA (steamer, 22 days)
● San Francisco to New York City, USA (rail, seven days)
● New York City to London, England (steamer, nine days)

According to the itinerary and how long each destination took to reach, the journey lasted exactly 80 days. Fogg won the bet!

The design

The reverse depicts Phileas Fogg and his butler, Passepartout, riding through the Indian jungles. While on their ride, they meet many unusual and interesting animals and plants, Buddhas carved into the mountains, and temple ruins. The elephant’s decorated garments are colored using UV printing technology. The gold and red highlight the scene and adds a nice contrast to the antique finish.

The obverse features the means of travel that the two travelers use on their journey: a steamship, a hot air balloon, a steam train, a stagecoach, and camels. Big Ben shows five minutes before 12:00 on the chosen 80th day.

Each coin has its serial number etched on the rim and is presented in a beautiful wooden crafted presentation case with a Certificate of Authenticity. The coin is also legal tender in Niue, with a face value of $5.

Invest in silver

Physical silver has always had and always will have a value much like gold. It does not have any counterparty risk. As part of a diverse portfolio, it will keep you in the black for as long as you own it. Invest in silver today. Start (or continue) with the Carpathian Mint’s Around the World in 80 Days 150th Anniversary Coin!

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