New Zealand Twenty Cents

The 1967 New Zealand twenty-cent coin was minted in Canberra, Australia, since New Zealand had no domestic mint at the time.

That arrangement made sense for a small nation transitioning to decimal currency, but it meant every piece crossed the Tasman Sea before entering circulation. The coin itself is cupro-nickel, with a diameter of 28.58 millimeters and a mass of 11.31 grams—standard for the denomination. On the obverse, you see Queen Elizabeth II's portrait by Arnold Machin; the reverse features a kiwi bird by James Berry, a design that remains unchanged today.

Mintage figures aren't precisely recorded for that year, though estimates suggest several million were produced. I've handled plenty over the years, and they're as unremarkable as any pocket change from the era. If you squint, the kiwi looks a bit like it's waddling away from the whole decimal fuss.