One Dollar, Coat of Arms, Coin Type from New Zealand - detailed information

The obverse of the coin shows the diademed and draped bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right (her effigy known as the "Second portrait", by Arnold Machin); around, the monarch's legend ELIZABETH II NEW ZEALAND; below, the date.

This was true in all years except 1979 when the effigy by James Berry was used instead, with the legend ELIZABETH II QUEEN OF NEW ZEALAND 1979.

Within a border of small waves, the reverse of the coin depicts the Ensigns armorial of the Dominion of New Zealand on their shield, as granted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1956.

The shield is quartered: the first quadrant depicts the four stars on the national flag, representing the constellation of the Southern Cross; the second quadrant depicts a golden fleece, representing the nation's farming industry; the third depicts a sheaf of wheat for agriculture; and the fourth quadrant depicts crossed hammers for mining. The "pale" (a vertical strip in the middle) depicts three ships, representing the importance of sea trade, and the immigrant nature of all New Zealanders.

The shield is surmounted by the Royal Crown (St. Edward's Crown), from which fern fronds drop to surround the shield.

Below the shield, the value and denomination ONE DOLLAR.