Story: Coins and banknotes

Old and new coins (1st of 2)

Old and new coins

In 2006 the 5-cent coin was withdrawn from circulation because it cost more to produce than it was worth. By then, New Zealand's coins were among the largest and heaviest in the world, so the 10, 20 and 50-cent pieces were made smaller and lighter as both a cost-cutting and modernisation exercise. The newer coins (at left) are made from plated steel – the old coins were cupro-nickel.

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New Zealand Herald
Reference: 200206NZHMMCOINS4.JPG
Photograph by Mark Mitchell

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Coins and banknotes - Decimal currency, 1960s to 2000s', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/36409/old-and-new-coins (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 20 Jun 2012