Florin, Coin Type from New Zealand - detailed information

Florin, Coin Type from New Zealand (issued 1933 - 1965)
Coin TypeFlorin

Initially, British and Australian coins circulated in New Zealand. The devaluation of the New Zealand pound relative to sterling in the 1930s led to the issue of distinct New Zealand coins in 1933, in denominations of 3d, 6d, 1s, 2s (the florin) and 2½s (the half-crown), minted in 50% silver until 1946 and in cupro-nickel from 1947. In 1940, bronze ½d and 1d coins were introduced. All these denominations were the same size and weight as their equivalents in the Australian and UK coinage (although Australia never minted the half-crown).

According to Encyclopaedia of New Zealand 1966, the original specifications for the coin were (in measurement units of the time):

Diameter of Coin: 1.126 inches
Standard Weight: 174.54545 grains
Remedy Allowance (margin of error in weight): 0.997 grains

In regards to statistics, it has to be noted that the mintage figures provided by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand include, in some cases (like the 1953 mintages), the proof issue of the year while in most other cases they do not.

According to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the total mintage of the denomination during its existence was 39,827,364 (40 mln).

Counting the (few) known proof mintages, the total mintage adds up to 39,852,634 (40 mln).

Of them, 11,770,604 (12 mln) were silver and 28,082,030 (28 mln) were cupronickel.

The sixpence, shilling, and florin (2 shilling), although rarely seen in circulation, remained legal tender as late as 2006, being used as the identical size and value of its decimal successors: the 5c (cents), 10c, and 20c coins respectively. They were demonetised on 31 October 2006, when the 5c coin and the original 10c and 20c coins were withdrawn from circulation.

Obverse

Effigy of the monarch, legend.

During the existence of the denomination, ruling monarchs for whom florins were minted were King George V, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. No coins were minted for King Edward VIII during his short reign.

After the Independence of India in 1947, the title "Emperor" was dropped from the legend of King George VI.

Obverse Inscription
Reverse

A kiwi standing facing left; above, NEW ZEALAND; below, ONE FLORIN [year]; after the date in small letters the artist's initials KG (Kruger Gray).

Reverse Inscription NEW ZEALAND ONE FLORIN [year]
EdgeMilledEdge InscriptionNone
Coin Type: Florin - (23) Coins
Coin NameReverseObverseIn my collection(s)
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Royal Mint
Royal Mint
Florin: Details
CountryNew Zealand
CurrencyNew Zealand Pound
Sub-types Florin (Silver)
Florin (CuproNickel)
From1933
To1965
Face Value2 (x Shilling)
CurrentNo (demonetised 2006)
Material
DesignerGeorge Kruger Gray
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeRound
Size28.5000 mm
Mass11.3000 g
Florin: Photos
ImageDetails
Florin: Photo New Zealand 1940 florin New Zealand 1940 florin
Copyright: CoinFactsWiki / CC BY-SA
Author:
Notes: Kiwi bird (1933 - 1965).
Source
Florin: Photo Proof Coin - Florin (2 Shillings), New Zealand, 1933 Proof Coin - Florin (2 Shillings), New Zealand, 1933
Copyright: Museums Victoria / CC BY
Author:
Notes: King George V (1933 - 1936).
Source
Florin: Photo New Zealand 1940 florin New Zealand 1940 florin
Copyright: CoinFactsWiki / CC BY-SA
Author:
Notes: King George VI, Emperor (1937 - 1947).
Source
Florin: Photo New Zealand 1951 florin New Zealand 1951 florin
Copyright: CoinFactsWiki / CC BY-SA
Author:
Notes: King George VI (1948 - 1951).
Source
Florin: Photo Proof Coin - Florin (2 Shillings), New Zealand, 1953 Proof Coin - Florin (2 Shillings), New Zealand, 1953
Copyright: Museums Victoria / CC BY
Author:
Notes: Queen Elizabeth II (1953 - 1965).
Source