One Dollar 1979, Coin from New Zealand - detailed information

The obverse of the coin shows the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II facing right wearing the Russian Fringe Tiara, which was originally given by the "Ladies in Society" to Queen Alexandra on her Silver Wedding anniversary in 1888; in tiny raised letters on the neck truncation, the artists initials JB (for [Reginald George] James Berry).

Around, the monarch's legend and the date: ELIZABETH II QUEEN OF NEW ZEALAND 1979.

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.