The 2016 Summer Olympics, to be held in Rio, is steadily drawing closer and as a result we can expect to see more and more Olympic themed coins to roll our way in the coming months. Today however, is New Zealand's turn as New Zealand Post is releasing two new commemorative coins celebrating the sporting mega-event.
New Zealand 2016 Olympics Silver $1 Coin
The first coin on offer is a 1oz silver one Dollar coin, struck from .9999 Fineness silver. The proof $1 coin measures 40mm and possesses a milled edge. The silver coin has a limited mintage 2016 coins and is packaged in a large black flip-top case.
The reverse design of the coin is split into two parts. Firstly, framed within a circle at the coin's centre, are the rolling hills and a winding road typical of the New Zealand country side. Alongside that image is a view of Rio de Janeiro as seen from Corcovado Mountain with the famous Christ the Redeemer statue keeping careful watch over the city below. The two views are divided in the middle by the Olympic torch with the logo of the New Zealand Olympic committee where the flame should be.
New Zealand 2016 Olympics Gold $10 Coin
The design is symbolic for the journey that the New Zealand athletes must undertake to reach the top of their discipline. From the valleys of New Zealand to the mountains of Brazil. The second aspect is depicted along the outer rim of the coins as as each of the sports that New Zealand has previously won a gold medal in is represented. This 'outer' design is partially colour treated to more closely resemble the hills, waves and fields that the athletes have to compete on. The logo of the NOC has also been colourized to make the iconic silver fern leave the focal point at the centre of the design.
New Zealand 2016 Olympics Gold $10 Coin in Box
The two coins released have a shared obverse design in the crowned Ian Rand-Broadly effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II. The words “ ELIZABETH II NEW ZEALAND 2016” appear around the rim.
The second coin is a 30cm 1/2oz gold(.9999 Fineness) coin denominated as $10. The proof coin shares the same design as the silver $1 coin with the exception that the colour treatment has been reserved only for the New Zealand Olympic Committee logo. The gold $10 coin is sold encapsulated in a luxury wooden display case with the words “Road to Rio” and “1/2oz GOLD PROOF COIN” along with the NOC logo appearing on top. A limited mintage of only 250 coins will be struck.
New Zealand 2016 Olympics Silver $1 Commemorative Coin in Box
Both coins can be obtained from the New Zealand Post website. The silver coin is listed at NZ$149.00(US$103) and the 1/2oz gold piece is available at NZ$1899.00 (US$1345)
