The dramatic night skies of Aotearoa, New Zealand are sought out and internationally celebrated for their pristine celestial displays, with locations across the country now firm astronomy-tourism destinations and more areas officially recognised by the International Dark-Sky Association.
This coin set celebrates the beautiful vistas of deep dark and light in the southern skies, protected and enjoyed by many in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Highlights
- Two complementary coins showing contrasting night skies
- Features Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve and Southern Lights
- Obverse features portrait of King Charles III by Stephen Fuller
- Each coin is minted from 1oz of 0.999 silver
- Designed by Helen Perkins, NZ Post, Wellington, New Zealand
- Low worldwide limited mintage of 500 sets.
Design
Dark Skies
In January 2023, the Wairarapa Dark Sky Association successfully achieved its long-held goal of being granted certification for a new International Dark Sky Reserve in the Wairarapa region of the North Island. Covering 3,665 square kilometres of land, the new reserve is now protected for people to enjoy and learn about the night skies. This coin features a stunning image of the starry night sky that’s possible to see thanks to the reserve.
Light Skies
Due to New Zealand’s proximity to the South Pole, the night skies are occasionally graced with the Aurora Australis, known locally as the Southern Lights. While the Southern Lights can be visible around the country, the best views can be found low on the southern horizon in the South Island during the extended dark hours of winter nights. Away from bright residential lighting, with as little moonlight as possible, aurora hunters can see truly epic displays with little or no equipment. This coin features a vibrant image of the Southern Lights captured in the South Island.
Celebrate the celestial sights of Aotearoa New Zealand with stunning commemorative coins. Click here for more information.
Check out the full range of silver coins here.
| Denomination: | Two x one New Zealand dollar |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Coin 1: Black Proof with select colour and glow in the dark; Coin 2: Silver Proof with select colour and glow in the dark |
| Composition: | .999 silver |
| Weight: | Two x 1oz |
| Diameter: | 40mm |
| Edge treatment: | Milled |
| Obverse design: | Portrait of His Majesty King Charles III |
| Shape: | Round |
| Reverse design: | Coin 1 Black Proof: Dark Sky Portrait of His Majesty King Charles III by Stephen J Fuller; Coin 2 Silver Proof: Light Sky Portrait of His Majesty King Charles III by Stephen J Fuller |
| Designed by: | Helen Perkins, NZ Post, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Worldwide mintage limit: | 500 Sets |
| Mint: | BH Mayer’s Kunstprägeanstalt GmbH |
