New Zealand 1955 6 pence
This specimen was lot 74266 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2023), where it sold for $5,520. The catalog description[1] noted, "NEW ZEALAND. 6 Pence, 1955. Elizabeth II. PCGS PROOF-64 Cameo. A brilliant example of a SCARCE Proof issue. With attractive cameo surfaces, this piece is sure to garnish needed attention." New Zealand did not receive her own coinage until 1933, British coins being used heretofore. Issue of pennies and half pennies did not begin until 1940. This type was minted 1953-55. It was redesigned in 1956 (KM 26.1]]) to strengthen the seam on the shoulder of the queen's dress altho a few "no shoulder fold" sixpences were struck in 1957 in error. This date is fairly common but the proofs are rare. The coinage was decimalized in 1967.
Recorded mintage: 1,600,000 plus proofs.
Specification: 2.83 g, copper-nickel, 19.3 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-26.1.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, February 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, featuring the David Sterling Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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