Five Cents 2003, Coin from New Zealand - detailed information

The New Zealand five-cent coin was the lowest denomination coin of the New Zealand dollar from 1990 to 2006. The five-cent coin was introduced when the New Zealand dollar was introduced on 10 July 1967, replacing the New Zealand sixpence coin, which - having exactly the same dimensions - remained legal tender and in parallel use.

Coins issued in 2003 circulated for only three years before they were demonetised on 1 November 2006.

Crowned head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right (effigy known as the "Fourth portrait"). In tiny letters below head the artist's initials IRB (for Ian Rank-Broadley). Around, the legend and date: NEW ZEALAND ELIZABETH II 2003.

The last surviving member of an otherwise extinct family of reptiles, the tuatara (a lizard-like reptile), native only to New Zealand, is shown sitting on a coastal rock. Above in the background, a gull flying. Below, the denomination 5 [cents]. The designer's initials, JB (for [Reginald George] James Berry) are to the left of the lizard's tail.