Raised in an ecosystem subject to almost total isolation from the rest of the world for the best part of 800 million years, the Kākā is a parrot that retains primitive features lost in almost all other parrots on the planet. Growing to around 45 cm in length and 450 grams in weight, this arboreal bird with its distinctive song is another that is currently endangered, but fortunately, the subject of extensive conservation efforts, with much success.

The coin, issued by the New Zealand Post, although struck by the Royal Dutch Mint, features a pretty image of the bird on a tree stump, with the background field covered by the iconic New Zealand ferns. The subdued colour pallette works beautifully, giving the art by Ben Timmins a natural, elegant look, in contrast to the over-saturated imagery that usually adorns coins of this ilk.

The obverse is the typical effigy of QEII, as it always is with NZ currency, and the coin comes in a decent box with a certificate of authenticity. Struck in an ounce of fine silver to a proof standard, it has a mintage of 1,000 pieces and a price of $145 NZD (around $95 USD). Available to order now.

LINKS: NEW ZEALAND POST