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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.
All but 48,000 of the circulation mintage this year were melted, pending the planned demonetisation of the denomination two years later. For a while, it was thought that all coins have been recalled and the few available examples commanded high prices with collectors. Some mint bags were then retrieved from Europe, so the 2004 five cents are now more affordable. Virtually none of them have been in circulation, so would normally be found in "brilliant uncirculated" condition. |
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| Obverse | |
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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 2004. |
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse design of the coin depicts the last surviving member of an otherwise extinct family of reptiles, the tuatara (a lizard-like reptile), native only to New Zealand, 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. |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | All but 48,000 of the circulation mintage were melted without making it into circulation.
According to The John Bertrand New Zealand Coin and Banknote Catalogue 2010:
"The discovery of mint bags (including some repatriated from Europe) has impacted on the price of the 2004 5 cent piece." |
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Search for New Zealand: Five Cents 2004 on eBay 
