New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar as its circulation currency for daily transactions. The country also issues a number of commemorative and collector coins, including in the internationally popular one ounce of silver format (abbreviated as 1 oz Ag, where "Ag" comes from the Latin word for silver, Argentum). Authorised by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the official issuer of these coins is NZ Post - which also issues the country's postal stamps. Manufacturing of the coins is commissioned to various foreign mints.
The coins are "Non-Circulating Legal Tender" (NCLT) and not bullion because they are issued at prices much higher than their intrinsic value and are targeted at collectors who appreciate them for their artistic or sentimental value, and not at bullion investors.
The majestic sperm whale, a gentle giant and tourist attraction around Kaikōura on New Zealand’s east coast of the South Island is celebrated in this latest coin issue.
NZ Post says about it: Sperm whales are quite long lived, with females taking about 30 years to reach physical maturity, and larger males up to 50 years. Females won’t start breeding until they are around 9 years of age, and they then only give birth to one calf every five years. Females calves usually stay with their mum’s pod for life, while males will split off after around four years, at which point it will often form a pod with other young males until they reach sexual maturity at around 18 years of age.
In this detailed coin design, a mother and her calf can be seen diving in the deep oceans off the coast of Kaikōura. In the background is the majestic Mt Fyffe and the seaward Kaikōura ranges. This 1oz silver proof coin has had enamel syringed onto its surface to create the glossy coating of water. This coin is housed within an acrylic block that is a continuation of the scene depicted on the coin itself. Packed snugly into a baby blue, leatherette case, this collectable will add a dash of colour and intrigue to your collection. |