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With the introduction of decimal currency on 10 July 1967, the new 20 cents denomination was equal to one florin (two shillings) of the earlier pre-decimal currency. The two coins were identical in size and florins remained in circulation (and legal tender) in parallel with the new coins until they were both demonetised in 2006, when a smaller twenty cent coin was introduced instead.
This is the first year of the new "Pukaki" design. Large twenty cent coins issued in 1990 circulated for 16 years before they were demonetised on 31 October 2006.
There were also the 150 Anniversary mint sets, featuring a twenty cent coin with a sailing ship design. |
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin shows the crowned bust of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right (her effigy known as the "Third Portrait"). The Queen is wearing the royal diadem which she wears on her way to and from the State Opening of Parliament, a pearl necklace and earrings.
Incuse in tiny letters on the neck truncation, the designer's initials RDM (for Raphael David Maklouf).
Around, the monarch's legend and the date of issue: ELIZABETH II NEW ZEALAND 1990.
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| Reverse | |
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A reproduction of a remarkable Māori carving representing the 18th century Māori warrior leader called Pukaki, who was a Rangatira (Chief) of the Ngati Whakaue iwi of Te Arawa in the Rotorua district. The original carving was made in 1836 and today it can be viewed in the entrance of the Rotorua Museum.
The figure is flanked by Maori Māori motifs. Below, the denomination 20 [cents]. |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | The 1990 New Zealand brilliant uncirculated mint sets (mintage 18,000) and proof sets (mintage 10,000) were produced by the Royal Mint (London) as evidenced by the text in the cardboard inserts, and not by the Royal Australian Mint as Krause catalogues say. |
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Search for New Zealand: Twenty Cents 1990 on eBay 