Over the next few months I will post information to the top 25 issues for a single country collection. The “key” piece to any collection of New Zealand coins is the commemorative crown issued in 1935. With only 1128 pieces struck, of those only 468 being proofs, it is a true rarity. The 2009 pricing places average examples of the 1935 Crown at about Five thousand dollars, while higher grades can go for as much as Eleven thousand dollars. Prior to the coins circulated in 1935 the commerce of New Zealand used a mixture of tokens, Australian and British coins. The commemorative five shilling piece was originally planned to be released in 1933 but delays in the design ment it wasn’t ready until 1935.
The crown is made of an alloy which is 50% silver. The Crown weight is approx: 28.28 grams, and the Diameter is 38.61 mm. The design features the signing of the treaty by Maori and Pakeha that has become a cornerstone of New Zealand identity and law. The design is very spartan and indeed quite modern for the time. The Waitangi crown remains elusive for single country collectors and a true South Pacific treasure. If you find one DO NOT CLEAN, instead get in touch with a registered coin expert through www.nzcca.com
In the imperial coinage system (used in New Zealand until 1967) a crown is quarter of a pound = 2 1/2 florins = 5 shillings = 15 groats = 60 pennies = 240 farthings. To keep it simple just think one pound = 20 shillings. One shilling = 12 pence.
