How to Identify the Edward VIII New Zealand Crown
How to recognize this 1936 Edward VIII kiwi crown and tell a fantasy or novelty strike from genuine period coinage.
Read the full Edward VIII New Zealand Crown encyclopedia entry →
Start with the design pairing, which is the fastest identifier. The obverse shows a left-facing Edward VIII profile with the legend EDWARDVS VIII D.G.BR.EMPEROR, and the reverse shows a single kiwi bird with NEW ZEALAND and the date 1936. This exact combination on a crown-sized coin is the signature of the type.
Read the legend closely. Authentic 1930s British and dominion coins render the imperial title in Latin abbreviation (for example IND:IMP), so a fully spelled-out EMPEROR is a strong sign of a modern fantasy die rather than an official issue. Note also that no genuine Edward VIII coin was released for circulation anywhere in the Empire, which by itself tells you an affordable, available piece with this design is not an issued government crown.
Measure and weigh the coin instead of assuming standard specifications. A British-style crown is a large piece, but fantasy strikes are made by various producers and can differ in diameter, thickness, weight, and metal. Check whether the piece is solid silver, plated, or base metal, and look for any maker's marks, "copy" stamps, or edge lettering that reveal a private or novelty origin.
Separate it from the coins it might be confused with. New Zealand's genuine first crown is the 1935 Waitangi Crown struck under George V, which shows a Maori and naval officer scene, not a kiwi with Edward VIII. The kiwi motif of the era belongs to the New Zealand florin. If your piece marries a kiwi to an Edward VIII bust and a 1936 crown format, it does not match any official New Zealand issue.
Authenticate cautiously. Because Edward VIII is a famous, short-lived monarch, his name is heavily used on souvenir and fantasy coins, and some are marketed misleadingly as rare patterns. Genuine official Edward VIII patterns are extremely rare institutional pieces that do not circulate. If a coin with this design is being sold cheaply and is readily available, treat it as a fantasy or novelty strike, and seek an experienced dealer or third-party opinion before paying any significant sum.
Frequently asked questions
What is the quickest sign this is a fantasy piece?
The combination itself: no Edward VIII crown was ever issued, so a 1936 crown pairing his bust with a kiwi cannot be an official New Zealand coin. The spelled-out EMPEROR legend is another giveaway.
How does it differ from the real 1935 New Zealand crown?
The genuine 1935 Waitangi Crown was struck under George V and shows a Maori chief and a naval officer, not a kiwi with Edward VIII. The kiwi belonged to the New Zealand florin of the period.
Should I rely on its size to confirm it is silver?
No. Crown-sized fantasy pieces are made in various metals, including plated base metal. Weigh the coin and test the metal rather than assuming standard silver-crown specifications.
Could it still be worth buying?
As a curiosity or display piece, yes, at modest novelty prices. Just avoid paying rare-coin sums, and be wary of sellers presenting it as an official issued government crown.