One Dollar 1973, Coin from New Zealand - detailed information

The obverse of the coin shows the crowned and draped young bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right (her effigy known as the "Second Portrait", by Arnold Machin).

The Queen wears the "Girls of Great Britain and Ireland" diamond tiara, a wedding gift from Queen Mary (Her Majesty's grandmother) in 1947 - which she also has on the Rank-Broadley and the Gottwald portraits.

Around, the monarch's legend and the date of issue: ELIZABETH II NEW ZEALAND 1973.

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.