20c coin

Details of the specifications and images used on the 20 cent coin.

The 20 cent coin face, back and edge treatment
The reverse (back of the coin or 'tails'), obverse (front of the coin or 'heads') and edge of the coin

20 cent coin specifications

Alloy	Diameter (mm)	Weight (g)	Edge thickness (mm)	Edge treatment
Plated steel	21.75	4.00	1.56	Spanish flower (7 indents evenly spaced)

20 cent image (front)

Description

Māori carving known as Pukaki

Significance

Pukaki

Pukaki was expertly crafted by Te Taupua of Ngati Whakaue from one large piece of totara timber, originating from the Ngongotaha Stream. The carving commemorates Ngati Whakaue's conquest of Pukeroa-Oruawhata. Pukaki is depicted holding his two warrior sons Wharengaro and Rangitakuku, while between his legs can still be seen the remnants of his wife Ngapuia.

More information

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

Reserve Bank Bulletin article "Establishing technical specifications for New Zealand’s new 10 cent, 20 cent and 50 cent coins"

Reserve Bank Bulletin article "The themes and thinking behind New Zealand’s 1967 decimal coin designs"

Find out more about the Maori 'pukaki' carving

Pukaki

New Zealand's 20 cent coins issued since 1990 feature a remarkable Maori carving. This is no generic image. Rather it is a reproduction of a specific carving of an 18th century Maori warrior leader called Pukaki, who was a Rangatira (Chief) of the Ngati Whakaue iwi of Te Arawa in the Rotorua district.