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The New Zealand Mint (which is private and not a government mint) is very active in the bullion coinage space. Normally, it issues legal tender coins - mostly under the jurisdiction of Niue, a New Zealand territory; however, some of its production is pure bullion, i.e. not legal tender, in one troy ounce of silver - such as this one.
The Silver Fern round (called also a "medallion") has been issued since 2009 (?) and is not dated.
The Mint says about it:
The Silver Fern must be one of the most iconic images used to depict New Zealand both here and the rest of the world. On our 1oz Silver Fern Bullion product the symbol is instantly recognised and this stunning medallion encompasses several facets of New Zealand's history. The silver fern is flanked by a Maori design, while on the obverse the Land of the Long White Cloud sits proudly next to the four stars of the Southern Cross. |
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| Obverse | |
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Within a plain rim, the obverse shows a map of New Zealand; on the left, the four main stars of the Southern Cross, a constellation that can be easily viewed from this part of the world and is depicted on the flag of New Zealand.
Around above, the inscription AOTEAROA, which means “land of the long white cloud” in the Maori language, and is the second official name of New Zealand.
Around below, the metal content and purity, 1 OUNCE FINE SILVER .999. |
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| Obverse Inscription |
AOTEAROA 1 OUNCE FINE SILVER .999 |
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| Reverse | |
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Within a beaded border, the reverse design of the silver round serves as a tribute to the culture and heritage of New Zealand. At the centre is a leaf from the nation’s most prolific plants, the silver fern - which is also one of its most prominent symbols. At its base on the right, the abbreviation NZ.
Around above, the inscription NEW ZEALAND. Around below, the name of the plant - SILVER FERN. Around left and right, Maori "coru" designs (the Maori were the native inhabitants of New Zealand, and koru is a decorative art applied to wood carving). |
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| Reverse Inscription |
NEW ZEALAND NZ SILVER FERN |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Finish: bullion (Brilliant Uncirculated).
Packaging: in tubes of 25. |
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Search for New Zealand: Silver Ounce Fern on eBay 