Long running New Zealand Kiwi series debuts its 2018 designs and adds a five ounce variant
With proof versions of the Kiwi series having been released since way back in 1990, it’s fair to say that it’s picked up a few fans along the way. It’s that time of the year when the new annual designs are revealed and made available for sale and there’s no change for 2018. That doen’t mean there are no changes at all as we’re being gifted the debut of a wide diameter five-ounce silver variant.
Regular buyers of the series will expect no design surprises and to be honest, none are present. The in-house artwork by Jonathan Gray looks good and depicts the Little Spotted Kiwi, Apteryx owenii. Around 35-45Â cm in length and 0.9-1.3 kg in weight, this species is sadly still rare, although conservation efforts are in full swing. Pale-mottled grey with fine white mottling, they have a long ivory-coloured bill and pale legs. Their diet consists of grubs and other small insects which they hunt using their keen sense of smell.
Four versions of the design are up for grabs this year. The base specimen-finish silver coin mounted to a card is back, having been introduced in 2004, as is the quarter-ounce gold coin with its 500 mintage. No gimmicks on the one-ounce proof coin this year, just some selective colouring, which is done with restraint and subtlety – no garish paint here. The new five-ounce coin is cleanly struck to a proof standard and is a very healthy 65.0 mm in diameter. Unfortunately, the 500 produced sold out almost immediately, so you may have trouble tracking one down.
Struck by BH Mayer in Germany, a mint with a great reputation for quality, the coins are available to order now with silver prices at $79.00 NZD (specimen), $139.00 (coloured proof) and $865.00 (gold). All are a little pricey, but in line with previous years.
2018 KIWI SILVER AND GOLD COINS
MINTS DESCRIPTION
This 1oz silver proof coin has a printed image of the little spotted kiwi. This adds an extra element of depth to this carefully crafted coin. The other polishing techniques give details and depth to the plants, ocean and silhouette of Kapiti Island. Minted from 0.999 silver, this 40mm diameter coin allows the Kiwi to come to life by adding colour and detail. With only 2,500 coins worldwide it’s sure to be popular. Packaged in a display case with an individually numbered certificate of authenticity, it makes a beautiful gift or addition to your collection.
This 5oz silver proof coin features uses a variety of polishing techniques as a well as a combination of 2D and 3D relief to give depth and texture to the image. This 65mm diameter coin allows the kiwi to come to life as the larger image shows greater detail. With only 500 coins worldwide, this larger than life coin can take pride of place in your collection. Packaged in a display case with an individually numbered certificate of authenticity, it makes a beautiful gift or addition to your collection.
This 1oz silver specimen coin uses multiple polishing techniques to bring out the details of the kiwi and Rauoterangi Channel, the stretch of water spanning the distance between the mainland and Kapiti Island. This stunning coin features a unique finishing technique that sets it apart from the three proof coins in this issue. Minted from 0.999 silver, it comes packaged in a collectable display card which gives further detail on the little spotted kiwi. With a maximum worldwide mintage of 7,500, place your order today.
This 1/4oz gold proof coin features the little spotted kiwi foraging for food with the silhouette of Kapiti Island in the background. 2D and 3D relief gives the coin depth and detail, right down to the mottled pattern of the kiwi’s feathers. Minted from 0.9999 gold this precious coin is limited to only 500 worldwide. Each coin comes with an individually numbered certificate that tells the story of this fascinating bird. Packaged in a premium display case, it’s a must for any kiwi coin collection.
SPECIFICATION
| NAME | 2018 KIWI 1oz | 2018 KIWI 1oz | 2018 KIWI 5oz | 2018 KIWI ¼oz |
| DENOMINATION | $1 NZD | $1 NZD | $10 NZD | $10 NZD |
| COMPOSITION | 0.999 silver | 0.999 silver | 0.999 silver | 0.9999 gold |
| WEIGHT | 31.1 grams | 31.1 grams | 155.5 grams | 7.78 grams |
| DIAMETER | 40.00 mm | 40.00 mm | 65.00 mm | 26.00 mm |
| FINISH | Specimen | Proof | Specimen | Proof |
| MODIFICATIONS | None | Colour | None | None |
| MINTAGE | 7,500 | 2,500 | 500 | 500 |
| BOX / COA | Card / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
OBVERSE
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