New Zealand Mint – history of the mint

Despite its name, the New Zealand Mint is not a government-owned institution. Instead, it operates as a privately run mint based in Auckland, recognised globally for its innovation, quality, and design excellence. Much like Australia’s Perth Mint, it has earned a strong reputation for producing high-purity bullion and collectible coins in both gold and silver.

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A History of Purity and Innovation

With over 40 years of minting expertise, the New Zealand Mint was among the first to adopt 999.9 gold purity as its standard—setting a precedent in the global bullion industry. Today, it stands as New Zealand’s only operating precious metals mint, offering a wide range of bullion bars, legal tender coins, and commemorative medallions.

While its bullion materials are globally sourced, each product meets the highest purity levels—999.9 for gold and 999 for silver. Renowned for its artistic craftsmanship and detailed finishes, the mint caters to a wide global audience, including collectors and investors throughout the UAE.

Notably, the New Zealand Mint does not produce circulation coins or banknotes for the New Zealand government—those tasks are fulfilled by institutions like the Royal Mint (UK) and the Royal Canadian Mint.

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Hawksbill (Taku) Silver Coins: A Conservation Icon

Among the New Zealand Mint’s most admired issues is the Hawksbill Turtle, also known as the Taku coin. It pays tribute to the endangered hawksbill sea turtle, which migrates between Fiji and New Zealand’s North Island.

Key Features:

• First launched in 2010 as the Fiji Taku
• Features a detailed depiction of a turtle swimming through stylized waves
• Issued initially as legal tender in Fiji, later reissued under Niue
• Reverse design remained consistent, while the obverse transitioned from Fiji’s Coat of Arms to Queen Elizabeth II’s effigy

In 2014, due to political changes, the coin was rebranded for Niue, a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand. These limited-issue coins are valued well beyond their $2 Niue face value, thanks to their .999 silver content and low mintage.

Since 2016, production has been undertaken by Sunshine Mint, ensuring global standards of purity and finish.

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New Zealand Mint Lunar Series: Chinese Zodiac Elegance

In alignment with global investment demand for Lunar-themed bullion, the New Zealand Mint introduced its Lunar Coin series in 2015. Struck in 999.9 fine gold and silver, these coins celebrate Chinese Zodiac years with exceptional design artistry.

Notable Issues:

• 2015 Year of the Goat – Features three goats standing atop a mountain with mirrored and frosted contrast
• 2016 Year of the Monkey – Showcases a playful monkey, with engraved characteristics such as happiness and prosperity

Both feature the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and are legal tender in Niue. More recent additions like the 2022 Year of the Tiger and 2024 Year of the Dragon continue the tradition with bold new designs—appealing to both regional and international investors with an eye for symbolism and heritage.

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Other Bullion Products from the New Zealand Mint

The New Zealand Mint continues to produce investment-grade and collectible bullion products admired worldwide:

Kiwi Bullion Coins

• Struck in 999.9 pure gold and silver
• Celebrates the national bird of New Zealand—the flightless Kiwi
• Obverse features the Southern Cross and the word ‘Aotearoa’, the Māori name for New Zealand

Silver Fern Bullion Coins

• Symbolizes the natural beauty of New Zealand
• Features the silver fern, Maori tribal patterns, and an outline of New Zealand
• A visual tribute to national identity, perfect for collectors seeking regional symbolism

Licensed Collectible Coin Series

The New Zealand Mint is widely recognized for its exclusive collectible coins featuring beloved pop culture franchises:

• Star Wars
• Marvel & DC Comics
• Disney & Pixar
• Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit
• Harry Potter & Star Trek

These coins are minted in .9999 gold and .999 silver, combining investment-grade metal with unique collectible value. Each coin features intricate artwork, often in limited editions, and comes with certificates of authenticity and presentation packaging.