New Zealand is home to many unique threatened species, including one of the world’s most endangered amphibians. A living fossil that has barely changed in 150 million years, Archey’s frog is New Zealand’s smallest native frog. One of four remaining native species of frog, it is the number one Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered amphibian species in the world. This special creature is being celebrated with the 2022 New Zealand Annual Coin.
NZ Post has dedicated the 2022 New Zealand Annual Coin to the memory of Emeritus Professor Phil Bishop, a giant in the field of amphibian conservation who cast his expert eye over our artist’s impression of Archey’s frog.
Highlights
- 2oz silver coin with an antique finish and colour printing
- Minted from 0.999 silver
- Designed by Dave Burke, Tauranga, New Zealand
- Very low worldwide limited mintage of 350.
Design
The hero of this 2oz coin is a detailed colour illustration of Archey’s frog. At a maximum of 37mm in length, the small size of Archey’s frog is reflected to scale in its appearance on this 50mm coin. The frog’s hues of green, red and brown are highlighted with the vibrant and realistic rendering of the frog. The coin is completed with an antique finish, and a detailed engraved background that gives greater relief to the frog.
Check out the full range of silver coins here.
| Denomination: |
Five New Zealand dollar |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Antique with selective colour |
| Composition: | 0.999 silver |
| Weight: | 2 oz |
| Diameter: | 50mm |
| Edge treatment: | Milled |
| Obverse design: | Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, United Kingdom |
| Shape: | Round |
| Reverse design: | Archey's Frog |
| Designed by: | Dave Burke, Tauranga, New Zealand |
| Worldwide mintage limit: | 350 |
| Mint: | BH Mayer’s Kunstprägeanstalt GmbH |
