New Zealand
coins and
banknotes
Values, images, and specifications for New Zealand
coins and banknotes.
The first New Zealand coinage
was minted in 1933.
Pre-decimal currency was used
from 1933 to 1965, based
on the United Kingdom's
monetary system, with the
same denominations and
relative values.
1 penny = 1/12 of a shilling
= 1/240 of a pound
Predecimal issue coins and notes were often low mintage, the soft metals used in early coins
wore easily, and silver content resulted in many being melted down for their bullion value.
During the conversion to decimal in the 1960's, most remaining coins and notes were
taken out of circulation and destroyed, contributing to a low survival rate for coins and notes
in collectible condition.
New Zealand
Banknotes
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menu page for
New Zealand notes
Prior to 1933, New Zealand's official currency was United Kingdom coinage,
although Australian coinage was also generally accepted.
Decimalisation occurred in 1967, whereby pennies were replaced by cents,
and pounds by dollars, where there are 100 cents in a dollar. (1:100)
Decimal era New Zealand coins and notes are much more common and sturdy,
still popular with collectors due to intricate design and relatability to recent history.
Prior to the forming of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand
in 1933, banknotes in New Zealand were issued by
individual banks trading within New Zealand / Australia.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand issued the first
nationalised banknote of New Zealand in 1934, based
also on the United Kingdom's 'pound', (see above).
The pound was replaced by the dollar in 1967, upon
New Zealand's adoption of the decimal currency system.
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