Armistice Day coin
2018 marks 100 years since the signing of the Armistice. The Bank has issued an Armistice Day coin to commemorate the history, service, and sacrifice made by service personnel and their families to bring peace to New Zealand and the world.
The reverse (back of the coin or 'tails'), obverse (front of the coin or 'heads') and edge of the coin
Coin specifications
The Armistice Day coin has the same specifications as the existing 50 cent coin.
| Alloy | Diameter (mm) | Weight (g) | Edge thickness (mm) | Edge treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Plated steel |
24.75 |
5.00 |
1.70 |
Unmilled |
How to get a coin
In September 2018, a limited number of coins were made available for pre-order through NZ Post.
In October 2018, the rest of the coins were released into circulation through NZ retailers – you may just see one in your change.
About the coin
The Armistice Day Coin is a 50 cent coloured commemorative circulating coin. It holds the same value as the standard 50 cent coin so you can use it as you would a normal 50 cent coin.
This coin follows the Anzac coin minted in 2015 to mark the centenary of New Zealand's efforts in WW1 and to support New Zealand's WW100 initiatives and events.
It does not replace the existing 50 cent coin. The coin is accepted in coin and vending machines.
This coin is legal tender like all the coins minted by the Bank.
The size and thickness of the coin is the same as the existing 50 cent coin. The only change to the coin is on one side which features the official RSA’s red poppy in the middle, surrounded by a free formed remembrance wreath that has incorporated the silver fern and koru as strong New Zealand elements.
As with all the Bank’s coin designs, this coin has been approved by the Palace.
Design elements of the coin
The Armistice Day coin design features the official RSA’s red poppy in the middle, surrounded by a free formed remembrance wreath that has incorporated the silver fern and koru as strong New Zealand elements.
The printed silver ferns on the wreath represent the past, present, and future and also reflect the three armed forces in New Zealand.
The engraved koru pattern represents new beginnings, and the engraved silver fern reflects New Zealand’s national identity.
A portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II appears on the obverse.
How the coin is made
The coin was minted by the Royal Canadian Mint in Canada. The Royal Canadian Mint mints New Zealand’s existing 10, 20 and 50 cent coins.
Once the coin design is approved by the Bank, the Mint creates a 3D digital image of the coin. This image is then engraved to a master punch. The master punch is like a template that is used to make working dies.
The working dies are used to 'stamp' the coin design on both sides of the coin. This process is called 'striking'.
Next, the colour is stamped onto the coin. This process is called high-speed colour pad printing.
Once the coins have been stamped with colour, they are inspected for quality both visually by a person and by automated checks. Finally, the ink is cured and the coins pass through a furnace.
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2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice between Germany and the Allied Powers on the 11th November 1918. The Royal Canadian Mint and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand have collaborated to create a new coloured coin to commemorate this historic event.
More resources
More information on the Armistice Day coin, images of the coin and links to related websites.
