NZ Post to release King Charles III commemorative coronation coins

To celebrate the upcoming coronation of King Charles III, NZ Post has produced commemorative coins to mark the occasion.

Wellington designer and illustrator Stephen Fuller developed the effigy to be used on New Zealand commemorative coins, and it was personally approved by the King.

NZ Post’s Head of Stamps and Collectables Antony Harris says, “We’re delighted to be releasing commemorative legal tender coins celebrating the King's coronation”.

“King Charles III will be the first king of New Zealand to appear on our decimal currency, and it is fitting that his effigy's first appearance of His Majesty’s effigy will be on coins commemorating the coronation.”

Issued by NZ Post under license from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the coins are minted in 0.999 silver and 0.9999 gold. There will be six coins issued to commemorate the King’s coronation, including an 11mm gold coin weighing .5g and a 1oz silver coin.

NZ Post will also issue stamps to commemorate the accession and coronation of the King, including a commemorative sheetlet featuring images from the coronation ceremony – which will take place in Westminster Abbey, London on May 6.

New Zealand’s own coins have always featured a portrait of the reigning monarch, beginning with King George V in 1933 when New Zealand coinage was first introduced to replace British currency.

As is tradition, the King’s portrait faces in the opposite direction of his predecessor, Queen Elizabeth II.

The King Charles III commemorative coins will be released on May 3, 2023.

For more information on the King Charles III coin and stamp issues visit: collectables.nzpost.co.nz