Fifty Cents 1995 (mint sets only), Coin from New Zealand - detailed information

The obverse of the coin shows the crowned bust of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right (her effigy known as the "Third Portrait"). The Queen is wearing the royal diadem which she wears on her way to and from the State Opening of Parliament, a pearl necklace and earrings.

Incuse in tiny letters on the neck truncation, the designer's initials RDM (for Raphael David Maklouf).

Around, the monarch's legend and the date of issue: ELIZABETH II NEW ZEALAND 1995.

The reverse features the barque Endeavour sailing south. HMS Endeavour was the ship on which Captain Cook became the first Briton to reach New Zealand in October 1769. Mount Taranaki (Egmont) is seen in the distance; above left, the denomination 50 [cents]; below, ENDEAVOUR.

The artist's initials JB (for [Reginald George] James Berry) are in tiny letters on the coastline to the right of ship.