2016-11-08 Tue

New Zealand revealed the final images of their 2017-dated “Kiwi” range of gold and silver bullion coins on 1st November. Just like the earlier coins issued in 2015 and 2016, the latest coin also features the Rakiura (Stewart Island) tokoeka, the only one of New Zealand’s five kiwi species that is active during the daytime.

The Rakiura is searching for food on a sand dune, in the day time when it becomes active. Other inscriptions include the denomination, RAKIURA TOKOEKA, the Latin or scientific name of the species, APTERYX AUSTRALIS LAWRYI. The obverse features the common portrait of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Ian Rank-Broadley.

The mintage limit of the 1 Dollar .999 silver 31.1 grams Reverse Proof-like coin is 7,500 and that of the 1 Dollar .999 silver 31.1 grams Proof coin is 2500.

The kiwi is the national bird of New Zealand, whose numbers are declining every year even though considerable efforts are being taken. These nocturnal, omnivorous birds which cannot fly are really close to the Australian cassowary and emu. Its loose, hairlike feathers, long beak and large whiskers make them look very adorable. Five species of kiwi are found across New Zealand: the brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli), great spotted kiwi / roroa (Apteryx haastii), little spotted kiwi (Apteryx owenii), the rowi (Apteryx rowi), and the tokoeka (Apteryx australis). They are all declared endangered and conservation efforts are on top priority to save them. They lay one of the largest eggs in the world when compared to its body size.