New Zealand: Coin One Dollar 1980 Fantail - 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 fifty cents were equivalent in value but not in size). Until the introduction of the smaller circulating dollar coin in 1990, New Zealand issued crown-sized commemoratives with a one dollar denomination such as this one. Later crown-sized commemoratives are denominated at five dollars.

In 1980 the large one dollar coin depicted a "fantail" bird. It is remarkable in that the obverse features an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by a New Zealand artist, James Berry.

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 1980.

Fantail bird sitting on a branch. In the right field, the designer's initials JB (for [Reginald George] James Berry). Around below, the denomination ONE DOLLAR.