2018-09-05 Wed

New Zealand will be releasing a commemorative 50-cent coloured coin on 1st October to observe 100 years of the armistice after World War I. The coin’s specifications would be similar to the standard circulating 50-cent coin but the new coins will not be replacing the existing ones.

The Central Bank of New Zealand, NZ Post, New Zealand artist Dave Burke have come together to create the coin. The design was approved by the Royal Palace like all other coins of New Zealand. The coin’s reverse depicts a red poppy at the centre which is the logo of the Returned Services’ Association. Other elements include a silver fern, koru and a remembrance wreath. The silver ferns represent the past, present, future and the three armed forces in New Zealand. The koru pattern showcases the idea of new beginnings. The obverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

The coins were struck at Royal Canadian Mint after which, a high-speed colour pad printing process was applied to them. Manual and automated quality checks were performed. The ink is cured at the end as they enter a furnace for a final cure. The 5 grams plated steel coin has a diameter of 24.75 millimetres and will be circulated in different regions of New Zealand based on the region's population.

Image Courtesy: Royal Canadian Mint