The New Zealand one-cent coin was the smallest denomination coin of the New Zealand dollar from the currency's introduction in 1967 to its demonetisation, along with the two-cent coin, on 30 April 1990. With a diameter of 17.53 millimetres, it is the smallest coin ever issued of the dollar, and at 2.07 grams in mass the lightest as well. Its reverse featured a fern leaf, a sign of New Zealand, associated also with its national rugby union team. The image was designed by Reginald George James Berry, who designed the reverses for all coins introduced that year.
One Cent pieces were last issued for circulation in 1987. A further 24,000 were issued in 1988 sets.
According to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, a total of 552,660,000 (553 mln) circulation coins of the denomination were minted throughout its existence.
Counting coins in mint sets and proofs, a total of 553,466,065 (553 million) coins of the denomination were minted.
The coins were demonetised on 1 May 1990. |
