1915 The Spirit of Anzac Gold Proof Coin

As part of the First World War five year programme, New Zealand Post will issue legal tender commemorative coins. The ¼oz gold proof coin tells the story of Cyril Bassett, the first New Zealand recipient of the Victoria Cross in the First World War.

Highlights

• Minted from 0.9999 gold
• Extremely limited worldwide mintage of 500
• Coin comes in a pressed metal tin, made to resemble those gifted to soldiers in World War I by HRH Princess Mary at Christmas
• The coin shows Cyril Bassett, the only New Zealander in the New Zealand Forces to be awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the Gallipoli campaign
• The foreground depicts the Victoria Cross, with Cyril Bassett pictured laying telephone lines in the background
• Collectable coin commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign.

Design

The ¼oz gold proof coin tells the story of Cyril Bassett, the first New Zealand recipient of the Victoria Cross in the First World War. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery during the assault on Chunuk Bair, in which he exhibited heroism in laying down and maintaining telephone lines between headquarters and the front lines. Chunuk Bair was the most notable battle of the Gallipoli campaign, with the Wellington Battalion alone suffering 711 casualties from the 760 men who made the summit. Cyril Bassett was the only New Zealander in the New Zealand Forces to be awarded the Victoria Cross for actions during the Gallipoli campaign. The Victoria Cross is pictured in the foreground of the coin, with Cyril pictured laying telephone lines in the background.