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The Reserve Bank of New Zealand today announced that it would be issuing an Armistice Day coin to commemorate the history, service, and sacrifice made by service personnel and their families to bring peace to New Zealand and the world.

The coin will carry the same specifications as the existing New Zealand 50c coin and carries on the series from the 2015 circulating ANZAC 50c coin.

The coins will be available in limited quantities to collectors from September and will be released into circulation from October 1st through local retailers.

Armistice Day Coin Rolls, Presentation Packs & Individual Coins will be available.

Specifications:

Alloy: Plated Steel

Diameter: 24.75mm

Weight: 5.00g

Edge Thickness: 1.70mm

Edge Treatment: Unmilled

Mint: Royal Canadian Mint

Engraver: David Burke

Background

In October 2018, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand is issuing a commemorative circulating coin to mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the World War One Armistice.

This coin follows the Anzac coin minted in 2015 to mark the centenary of New Zealand’s efforts in World War One and to support New Zealand’s 100 Years On From World War One initiatives and events.

The ANZAC coin was very popular. It is rare to see one in circulation since the release in 2015.

About the coin

The Armistice Day Coin is a 50 cent coloured commemorative circulating coin, and is legal tender for 50 cents.

The size and thickness of the coin is the same as the standard 50 cent coin. The only change to the coin is on the reverse which features the official RSA’s red poppy in the middle, surrounded by a free formed remembrance wreath that has incorporated the silver fern and koru as strong New Zealand elements.

As with all of New Zealand's coin designs, this coin has been approved by Her Majesty the Queen.

Getting a coin

The majority of the coins (approximately 1.6 million) will be released into circulation from 1 October. The coins will be distributed to New Zealand retailers throughout the country. To maximise the chance of receiving a coin, and to be fair to everyone, the coins will be divided between regions based on population. You may just see one in your change.

We will offer a limited number of Coins & Rolls through the Oceanic Mint website and sales channels in the second half of the year.

About Armistice Day

Armistice Day (also sometimes referred to as Remembrance Day) marks the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended WW1. It commemorates the sacrifice of those who died serving New Zealand in this and all wars and armed conflict.

The Great War of 1914 to 1918 was one of the most devastating events in human history. New Zealand, with a population of 1.1 million in 1914, sent 100,000 men and women abroad. 16,700 died and over 40,000 were wounded.

On Armistice Day 1918, New Zealand had 58,129 troops in the field, while an additional 10,000 were training in New Zealand. 

The signing of the Armistice is observed annually in New Zealand at 11am on 11 November (the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month). This was when the allies and Germany signed the armistice in Compiègne, France.

Two minutes silence is observed in memory of those New Zealanders who died while serving our country.

2018 marks 100 years since the signing of the Armistice. The Reserve Bank is issuing this Armistice Day coin to commemorate the history, service, and sacrifice made by service personnel and their families to bring peace to New Zealand and the world.

Design

The Armistice Day coin design features the official RSA’s red poppy in the middle, surrounded by a free formed remembrance wreath that has incorporated the silver fern and koru as strong New Zealand elements.

The printed silver ferns on the wreath represent the past, present, and future and the three armed forces in New Zealand. The engraved koru pattern represents new beginnings, and the engraved silver fern reflects New Zealand’s national identity.

A portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II appears on the obverse side of the coin.

Further Information:

Reserve Bank - Armistice Day Coin

Armistice Day - NZ Defence Force

Reserve Bank - 2015 ANAZC Circulating 50c Coin