2023 Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy Brilliant Uncirculated Coin

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy written and illustrated by Dame Lynley Dodd, this coin has been issued to commemorate the legacy of the beloved children’s book series.

Hairy Maclary literally fell out of Lynley Dodd’s scrapbook. She recalls how, when looking for a new idea, a tiny sketch of a dog, drawn years earlier on a slip of notepaper, dropped out from between the pages.

With just a few strokes of her pen Lynley’s extraordinary ability to convey character, expression and movement brought Hairy Maclary to life.

Highlights

• Celebrating the iconic New Zealand children’s book on its 40th anniversary
• The first time Hairy Maclary has been commemorated on New Zealand coins
• Personally approved by Hairy Maclary creator, author and illustrator Dame Lynley Dodd
• Low worldwide mintage of 750 coins.

Design

Personally approved by author and illustrator Dame Lynley Dodd, this coin features the hero of the story surrounded by the iconic opening lines of the book. Hairy Maclary’s paw overlaps with the inner rim, creating the illusion that he is stepping out of the coin.

This coin issue celebrates the 40th anniversary of Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy, the first book in New Zealand author Dame Lynley Dodd’s beloved children’s series. Click here for more information about the coin issue.

Check out more New Zealand coins here.