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Coins in circulation

This section tells you about the features and design of the 5 coins in circulation, our two commemorative coins and the Māori carving on the 20 cent coin.

Published:

28 February 2022

Commonwealth Effigy of HM King Charles III

New Zealand’s circulating and commemorative coins will bear the Commonwealth effigy (image) of King Charles III, King of New Zealand.

Read the media release

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How coins are designed and made

Find out how the design of our coins has changed throughout history, where our coins are minted, and what material they are made of.

Pukaki Māori carving on 20 cent coin

The image on the 20 cent coin is a reproduction of a specific carving of an 18th century Māori warrior leader called Pukaki.

Coin specifications and images by denomination

All our coins feature the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the front (obverse), and New Zealand imagery on the back (reverse).