New Zealand - 2020 - Annual Proof Coin Set - Chatham Island Crested Penguin

New Zealand - 2020 - Annual Proof Coin Set - Chatham Island Crested Penguin
Mintage: 750

In 2019, an international team of researchers extracted mitochondrial DNA from subfossil bones discovered in sand dunes on the Chatham Islands. This research has confirmed that until a few centuries ago a unique crested penguin species, Eudyptes warhami, existed on the Chatham Islands. Crested penguins of the genus Eudyptes are black and-white with yellow crests and red bills and eyes. Chatham Island crested penguins were among the largest of the crested penguins.

Highlights

• Stunning proof versions of New Zealand’s decimal currency coins
• Low worldwide mintage of 750 sets
• Each coin is specially dated 2020
• Includes a 1oz Chatham Island Crested Penguin coin, only available in this set.

Design

The set features proof versions of New Zealand’s circulating currency coins. Each coin is specially dated 2020. Collectively the coins feature many well-known New Zealand symbols such as the Māori carved mask, known as a ‘kōruru’ on the 10-cent coin, and the HMS Endeavour, the ship of Captain James Cook, on the 50-cent coin.

As well as the proof versions of New Zealand’s circulating currency coins, the set includes a 1oz version of the 2020 New Zealand Annual Coin - Chatham Island Crested Penguin. This coin is only available as part of the 2020 New Zealand Proof Currency Set. This vividly illustrated 1oz silver proof coin was designed by New Zealand artist Dave Burke. Two Chatham Island crested penguins are imagined here with a stormy backdrop familiar to inhabitants of the Chatham Islands. The birds are encircled by an arc of koru designs.

The coin is also available separately, at a 2oz weight with a $5 face value.

There are only 750 of these collectable sets available and each one comes housed in a beautiful display box to keep them in pristine condition.