Halfpenny
New Zealand
Value
  • 1/480 pound (pre-decimal)
  • 5/12¢ (when decimalised)
Mass5.67 grams (87.5 gr) g
Diameter25.5 mm
EdgePlain
Obverse
DesignProfile of the monarch
Reverse
DesignA hei-tiki with ornamental kowhaiwhai pattern on each side
DesignerLeonard Cornwall Mitchell

The halfpenny was a pre-decimal coin of New Zealand. It had a diameter of 25.5 millimetres (1.00 in) and a standard weight of 87.5 grains (5.67 g).[1]

History

The New Zealand halfpenny was first issued after the Coinage Act 1933.[1] The halfpenny and the penny were designed by New Zealand artist Leonard Cornwall Mitchell, and officially issued in 1940, although they first came into circulation in December of the previous year.[2][3]

Errors

In September 2023, a New Zealand halfpenny that had text in Latin instead of English sold at auction for $19,000.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 "Coinage". 1966 Encyclopaedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  2. ↑ Pollock, Kerryn (20 June 2012). "A national currency, 1930s to 1960s". Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  3. ↑ Pollock, Kerryn (20 June 2012). "Coins issued, 1933 and 1940 (2nd of 2)". Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  4. ↑ Williams, Paul (25 September 2023). "Rare coin mistake makes big money". Horowhenua Chronicle. Retrieved 29 October 2023.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.