2016 Kiwi Gold Proof Coin

The kiwi lays one of the largest eggs in the world in relation to its body size, and the great spotted kiwi (Apteryx haastii) lays the largest eggs of all the species of kiwi. This unique attribute is celebrated in the 2016 Kiwi coin, which is minted in the shape of a kiwi egg.

Highlights

• New Zealand’s first egg-shaped coin
• Minted from 0.9999 gold with selective colour
• Coin is printed with selective colour to mimic the appearance of a kiwi egg
• Features the great spotted kiwi depicted against Mount Rolleston in the Southern Alps
• Limited worldwide mintage of 500.

Design

The kiwi has been considered the mascot of New Zealand for many years, but despite our best conservation efforts, the numbers continue to decline year on year. Kiwi are mostly nocturnal, omnivorous birds whose closest living relatives are the Australian cassowary and emu, and like them, it cannot fly. The kiwi’s loose, hair-like feathers, long beak and large whiskers give it a scruffy, but endearing appearance.

The great spotted kiwi, also known as the roroa, can be found around the north-western part of the South Island. Sadly, numbers of great spotted kiwi have dropped drastically since New Zealand's colonisation, with only around 15,000 alive today. Unlike other kiwi, which tend to live in dense forests, the great spotted kiwi favours higher-altitude areas, making it difficult to reach for its natural predators (such as stoats, cats and dogs).

The premium collectable in this issue is the ¼oz gold coin, which is minted from 0.9999 gold and printed with selective colour. This unique $10 coin has a very low worldwide mintage of just 500. Our 2015 Kiwi gold coin was very popular, so place your order for the 2016 Kiwi now to secure yours.

Check out the full range of gold coins here.