2016-12-26 Mon

A new set of coins featuring a mythical creature - the mighty Taniwha from Maori folklore was released by New Zealand on 19th December. The Taniwha are supernatural creatures which hide in the ocean, rivers, lakes, or caves. They eat and kill people or kidnap women in some tales and are represented as a tribe’s guardians in others.

The myths have been around since the times of the Polynesian people who were brought to present-day New Zealand. A large number of Taniwha came along with voyaging canoes that brought the Polynesian ancestors of the Moori people to Aotearoa (New Zealand). They were considered to be the protectors during these voyages.

As per the legend, Kupe was a great navigator who discovered New Zealand while travelling in the Matawhaorua canoe. It is believed that Taniwha protected him during his journey. Kupe placed one of his guardian Taniwha, named Tuhirangi, in Cook Strait which reappeared in the form of a well-known dolphin named Pelorus Jack. The dolphin accompanied European explorer ships in this area of the ocean.

The Royal Australian Mint issued the 2017-dated coins on behalf of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. The reverse features the mythical creature coming out from its natural habitat - the turbulent waters. The denomination is mentioned in both Maori and English. The obverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

The mintage limit of the 1 Dollar .999 silver 31.1 g Proof coin is 1,500 and that of the 10 Dollar .9999 gold 32.1 g Proof coin is 250.

The coins come in custom packaging along with a certificate of authenticity.