One Dollar 1977 Waitangi Day, Coin from New Zealand - detailed information

When decimal currency was introduced in New Zealand on 10 July 1967, there was no new circulating denomination with the size and specifications of the old one crown piece, in which only commemorative coins had been issued; the new (large) fifty cents were equivalent in value but not in size. New Zealand issued crown-sized commemoratives with the specifications of the old crown, based on the British pre-decimal Crown. Until the introduction of the smaller circulating dollar coin in 1990, these coins had a one dollar denomination; later issues were denominated as five dollars.

These coins are legal tender but are not intended for circulation.

This 1977 large dollar commemorates Waitangi Day and 25 years ("Silver Jubilee") since the Queen's accession to the throne (25 years since coronation were commemorated with the next year's coin). Waitangi Day represents a significant day in the history of New Zealand. It is a public holiday held each year on 6 February to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, on that date in 1840.

The coin was struck in copper-nickel and in a silver proof version. The silver pieces weigh 27.2 grams (0.81oz ASW).