New Zealand Post will be releasing a new annual coin, 2014 Kairuku Silver Proof Coin. The 1oz 0.999 silver proof coin will display one of New Zealand’s most unique creatures known as the "Kairuku" - a giant penguin that once roamed New Zealand. This legal tender coin is the only $5 silver proof commemorative coin to be issued annually with a mintage of just 1,500 coins worldwide.
The reverse design features an artistic depiction of the Kairuku next to a height chart, emphasising its tall stature compared with its modern-day counterparts, alongside an image of the Kairuku swimming. The rim of the coin features the Māori name, alongside the English translation: 'diver who returns with food'. The coin obverse show Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, United Kingdom.
Technical Specifications:
Denomination: Five New Zealand dollars
Finish: Proof
Composition: 0.999 silver
Weight: 1 troy oz
Diameter: 40.00mm
Edge treatment: Milled
Shape: Round
Worldwide mintage limit: 1,500
Mint: BH Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt GmbH
Price: NZD$129.00
Researchers Dr. Ewan Fordyce, found a giant fossil penguin in 1977. After 35 years, a giant fossil penguin has finally been completely reconstructed by Dr. Dan Ksepka and Dr. Paul Brinkman. The researchers reconstructed Kairuku from two separate fossils, using the skeleton of an existing king penguin as a model. The result is a tall bird with an elongated beak and long flippers – easily the largest of the five species that were common to the area in that time period.
You can order your coins via New Zealand Post website coins.nzpost.co.nz.
