It was recently discovered that the names of New Zealand’s two main islands had come about simply through common usage, rather than official declaration. Both English and Māori names for the islands were made official in October 2013, the North Island (Te Ika-A-Maui) and the South Island (Te Waiponamu).

The design of each coin in this unique set features a highly detailed three-dimensional map that has been laser engraved from a real cartographic image. Such detail has never been seen before on a New Zealand coin, and is sure to impress any collector.

Obverse: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, United Kingdom.

Reverse: North Island (Te Ika-A-Maui) and South Island (Te Waipounamu).

The two coins are housed in an attractive container made from 45,000 year-old swamp kauri. The design of the box features the names of the provinces and regions of New Zealand intricately laser-engraved into the lid.