New Zealand 1942 6 Pence EF-AU (EF45)

New Zealand 1942 6 Pence EF-AU (EF-45)

The New Zealand 6 Pence was one of five silver coin denominations introduced in the country’s initial coinage in 1933. Prior to this, Australian silver coins, including the 6 Pence, circulated widely in New Zealand, particularly after Australia devalued the Australian pound relative to the pound sterling in 1930, with devalued coins making up 30–40% of all coinage by early 1933. Counterfeiting also increased during this period. Following a similar devaluation of the New Zealand pound in 1933, mass smuggling of silver coins to Britain and other colonies occurred. After several decades of proposals to create domestic coinage, the New Zealand government contracted the British Royal Mint to produce its new coins, as local facilities were deemed insufficient for mass production.

Obverse: Uncrowned portrait of King George VI facing left, with the legend around.
Reverse: A Huia bird perched on a branch, with the legend above, denomination and date below.

Specifications:
Monarch: George VI (1936-1952)
Engraver: Thomas Humphrey Paget (obverse), George Kruger Gray (reverse)
Composition: 0.500 silver
Weight: 2.83 g
Diameter: 19.3 mm
Die Axis: ↑ ↑
Edge: Reeded
Mint: Royal Mint, London, United Kingdom
Mintage: 360,000