1974 Commonwealth Games Dollar
New Zealand
1974
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$35.90
Based on Silver spot price ($78.96/oz) · 50.0% purity · 28.28g
Updated 10:08 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | New Zealand |
| Years Minted | 1974 |
| Composition | 50% silver, 50% copper |
| Weight | 28.28 g |
| Diameter | 38.61 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
Design
Obverse
Features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right.
Reverse
Depicts the emblem of the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, including the games symbol and inscriptions.
History & Notable Facts
The 1974 Commonwealth Games dollar was New Zealand's first silver proof coin, marking a shift from the country's standard base metal issues. Struck at the Royal Australian Mint, it featured a reverse design by James Berry showing a stylized athlete in mid-stride, encircled by the event's emblem.
That design choice was practical; it avoided the clutter of depicting every sport on a single dollar-sized canvas. The coin's obverse bore the familiar portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, but the edge carried a reeded pattern for added security. Mintage figures are murky—official records from the era aren't always reliable.
Some say the silver content made it popular for melting during price spikes, though that's probably exaggerated. As for myths, I've heard tales of athletes using these as good-luck charms, but let's not pretend that's verifiable. It was just a coin, really.
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