New Zealand Post with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has released an official legal tender commemorative coin featuring the Webb Ellis Cup. The Webb Ellis Cup is the trophy awarded to the winner of the Rugby World Cup. The Cup is named after William Webb Ellis, who is often credited as the inventor of rugby football. The trophy is silver gilt and has been presented to the winner of the Rugby World Cup since the first competition in 1987. It has been held by Australia (twice, in 1991 and 1999), South Africa (twice, in 1995 and 2007), New Zealand (1987) and England (2003).
The 2011 Webb Ellis Cup Coin is the first coin in the 2011 coin programme and the New Zealand Post official Rugby World Cup 2011 product range. Government issued and New Zealand legal tender, the $1 coin is produced to the highest standards of craftsmanship. The one-ounce pure silver proof coin showcases the competition’s prize at its centre, with the Webb Ellis Cup shining through in special high-relief 24-carat gold gilding. In celebration of this prestigious event, the 2011 Webb Ellis Cup Coin is beautifully presented in a laser-engraved wooden case, lined with velvet to keep the precious collectable safe. Each case is individually numbered and comes with an individually numbered certificate of authenticity. It’s a superb way to join the build-up to the 2011 Tournament, and is destined to become a treasure for generations
Technical specification:
Denomination: New Zealand one dollar (NZD $1)
Composition and finish: Silver proof (0.999), gold gilding (0.999)
Weight: 1 ounce
Diameter: 40.0mm
Edge treatment: Milled
Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England
Reverse design: The Webb Ellis Cup, selectively gold gilded and special high-relief to provide a 3D effect, Rugby World Cup 2011 event mark
Designed by: Cue Design, Wellington, New Zealand
Mint: BH Mayer’s Kunstprägeanstalt GmbH
Worldwide mintage limit: 15,000 (of which up to 12,000 will be available as individual coins)
The item is still available at New Zealand Post website; 2011 Webb Ellis Cup Coin or you can also buy them through selected New Zealand PostShop stores, at REAL Aotearoa stores in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, or by phoning 0800 782 677.
