Aotearoa New Zealand is known for both its unique and diverse wildlife and its surprising lack of native land mammals - limited to just two species of bat. Around the motu’s 15,000-kilometre coastline, however, it’s a different story. Many whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea lions visit or reside in the coastal waters and on the shores of Aotearoa New Zealand, including around half of the world’s whale and dolphin species. Pahu Hector’s dolphin and Popoto Māui dolphin are only found in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Highlights
    Features the endangered Māui dolphin, the rarest dolphin in the world
    Obverse features portrait of King Charles III by Stephen Fuller
    Each coin is minted from 2oz of 0.999 silver
    Designed by New Zealand artist Dave Burke
    Low worldwide limited mintage of 400 coins.

Denomination:   $5.00 New Zealand dollars
Finish:   Proof with selective colour/td>
Composition:   .999 Silver
Weight:   2oz
Diameter:   50mm
Edge treatment:   Milled
Obverse design:   Portrait of His Majesty King Charles III by Stephen J Fuller
Shape:   Round
Reverse design:   Maui Dolphin/td>
Designed by:   Dave Burke, Tauranga, New Zealand
Worldwide mintage limit:   400
Mint:  BH Mayer’s Kunstprägeanstalt GmbH

Design

Māui dolphin is the rarest dolphin in the world. The population is estimated to be between 40 and 57 and, due to the animals’ relatively short lifespans, late sexual maturity and low reproduction rates, will grow by a maximum of one individual per year. This coin features an illustration of Māui dolphin by Māori artist Dave Burke. With a proof finish, it includes vibrant colour printing and a kowhaiwhai wave pattern. The obverse features a portrait of King Charles III by New Zealand designer Stephen J Fuller.