1947 New Zealand One Florin (Kiwi)

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Year of Issue: 1947

Denomination: One Florin (2 Shillings)

Composition: Copper-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel)

1947 New Zealand One Florin (Kiwi)

Brief Description

A round cupro-nickel coin featuring the portrait of King George VI on the obverse and a Kiwi bird on the reverse.

Historical Significance

1947 was the first year New Zealand switched from silver to cupro-nickel for its coinage following WWII. It reflects the post-war economic shift and the ongoing reign of King George VI.

Estimated Value

$1.00 - $3.00 in circulated condition; $15.00 - $40.00 in Uncirculated (MS) condition.

Care Instructions

Store in a PVC-free flip or coin capsule. Do not clean or polish, as this destroys numismatic value. Handle by the edges only.

Mint Mark

None (struck at the Royal Mint, London)

Mintage & Rarity

2,800,000; common date.

Weight & Diameter

11.31 grams, 28.58 mm

Edge

Reeded (milled)

Apparent Grade

Very Fine (VF). Shows moderate wear on the high points of the Kiwi's feathers and the King's hair, with some surface spotting/detritus.

Obverse (Front)

Bare-headed portrait of King George VI facing left. Legend around: 'GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR'. Designer: Thomas Humphrey Paget.

Reverse (Back)

A North Island brown kiwi facing left, standing on a ground line. Legend above: 'NEW ZEALAND'; below: 'ONE FLORIN 1947'. Designer: George James Berry.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Condition (grade) is the primary factor. High Mint State examples with original luster command premiums. Surface spots or 'milk spots' can lower eye appeal.

Similar Coins

Often confused with the Australian Florin, which has different reverse imagery (coat of arms), or earlier 1934-1946 silver NZ florins (which are 50% silver).

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Check for the correct weight of 11.31g and magnetism (copper-nickel should be non-magnetic). Look for crisp details in the kiwi's feathers.

Notable Varieties & Errors

No major rare die varieties are widely recognized for 1947, though doubling errors can occur.

Created At: 2026-05-22T07:24:31.767260