ObverseImage: Wikimedia Commons · Berlin-George · Public domain
New Zealand Shilling
New Zealand
1933–1965
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$7.20
Based on Silver spot price ($79.15/oz) · 50.0% purity · 5.66g
Updated 10:13 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | New Zealand |
| Years Minted | 1933–1965 |
| Composition | 0.500 silver (1933-1946) / Cupro-nickel (1947-1965) |
| Weight | 5.66 g |
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
Design
Obverse
Features the portrait of the reigning British monarch, such as George V, George VI, or Elizabeth II, depending on the year.
Reverse
Depicts a Maori warrior or a figure from Maori culture, often with the denomination and country name.
History & Notable Facts
The 1933 New Zealand Shilling was the first to feature a Maori chieftain on its reverse, a design by George Kruger Gray that finally gave the coin a distinctly local flavor instead of copying British motifs.
That shift came after years of using imported designs, reflecting New Zealand's growing national identity. The coin was struck in .500 fine silver until 1947, then switched to cupro-nickel as wartime demands depleted silver stocks. Mintage figures vary by year; for instance, 1933 saw around 400,000 pieces, but records for the 1950s are spotty.
Most examples you find today are well-worn from circulation, as they were everyday money until decimalization in 1967. Variations include proof strikes for collectors, though those are rare. As for myths, no, it wasn't made from melted pirate treasure— that's just wishful thinking from armchair historians.
Proving authenticity can be tricky without clear hallmarks, especially on later issues.
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