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Get behind the British & Irish Lions 2017 Tour with this commemorative coin issue.
Every four years The British & Irish Lions tour the Southern Hemisphere, and in 2017 it was New Zealand’s turn to host and compete in a series that captivated a nation. The series began in Whangarei on 3 June, and over the course of six weeks, ten matches were played in seven different cities against eight different New Zealand teams.
From their first tour in 1891 The British & Irish Lions were dominant, but their competitor’s sides continued to grow in strength and skill and the Lions were beaten by South Africa in 1903. 1908 brought the first Tour to New Zealand and The British & Irish Lions found themselves up against a formidable opponent that proved too much to handle.
The nickname the ‘Lions’ didn’t catch on until 1924 in South Africa, when the lion crest was recognised on their jerseys. The British & Irish Lions now highly recognisable identity of the red jersey, white shorts and green and blue socks was adopted in the 1950's and this iconic combination is still in use today.
New Zealand Post has worked with New Zealand artist Dave Burke to create a coin issue worthy of the excitement and tradition that the British & Irish Lions 2017 Tour will bring with it. New Zealand Post has produced two limited edition commemorative coins to commemorate this captivating sporting event - one brilliant uncirculated coin and one minted from 1oz silver.