On 24 january 2013, New Zealand Mint has released Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Silver Coin to commemorate the longest running and most successful science fiction television series of all time, Doctor Who.
The one-ounce silver .999 coin features an engraved picture of the iconic TARDIS. The coin comes packaged in a 3D model replica of the TARDIS, which opens with the iconic TARDIS “vwarp vwarp” sound. The coins themselves are legal tender for $2 in the South Pacific Island nation Niue.
Later in the year New Zealand Mint will also release collectible coins featuring all 11 Doctors, from the first Doctor played by William Hartnell, to the current incarnation - Matt Smith. Further Doctor Who coin releases are also planned for 2014 and 2015.
The reverse design show an engraved relief of the iconic TARDIS used by the Doctor to travel through time and space. This bursts forth out of a dynamic high quality colour printed background representing time travel. The coins border features the finely engraved words Doctor Who 50th Anniversary 1963 – 2013.
The obverse design features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The coin enclosed is issued by New Zealand Mint as legal tender, under the authority of Niue Island.
The 50th Anniversary coin is packaged in the iconic Doctor Who TARDIS, the telepathic travel machine. The doors of the TARDIS slide open to display the 1oz coin and certificate of authenticity inside.
Technical Specifications:
Metal: .999 Silver
Finish: Proof
Diameter: 40.1 mm
Edge: Milled
Denomination: $2
Country: Niue
Year of Issue: 2013
Mintage: 10,000
The programme produced in Great Britain by the BBC, first aired in 1963, depicts the adventures of a time traveling, humanoid alien known as the Doctor. He explores the universe in his TARDIS, a telepathic travel machine that’s bigger on the inside than the outside, and outwardly appears to be a blue 1960s British police box. Along with a succession of companions, the Doctor faces a variety of foes while working to save civilizations, help those he comes in contact with, and right wrongs across the universe.
The coins will officially launch at the World Money Fair in Berlin on 1 February and will be available for pre-order at the New Zealand Mint website www.newzealandmint.com from 24 January or via selected international coin distributors.
