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Banknotes and coins

Find out how banknotes are made, what banknotes and coins are in circulation and learn how to spot a fake banknote or coin.

Published:

21 January 2025

Kei tēnei wāhanga

In this section

Banknotes in circulation

Learn about the 5 different banknotes currently in circulation and their imagery.

Coins in circulation

Learn about the features and design of the 5 coins in circulation — 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent, $1, $2 and the Māori carving on the 20 cent coin.

How to spot a fake banknote or coin

Learn how to check if your banknotes or coins are genuine or counterfeit.

Life of a banknote

Learn about the life cycle of our banknotes, from how they are made, sorted and circulated to what happens when they are no longer fit for circulation.

How are coins made?

Learn how our coins are made, from the design to die creation, blank preparation and striking.

Polymer used on banknotes

New Zealand banknotes are printed on polymer, which is a type of polypropylene plastic.

What is legal tender?

Find out what legal tender means, if businesses are required to accept cash as payment, and when New Zealand banknotes and coins stop being legal tender.

Read our explainer