You figure I could come up with something spectacular to post for the comeback SGS post, but honestly I have nothing real flashy right now in the small pile collected on my dining room table. I do however have some items that are interesting to me, and hope they are to you as well.
Even though my dumbass has been AWOL for a few months, I have still been collecting. Not stacking much, but the collecting continues. However, I have been lazy handling what I buy. Most of it has been sitting on the dining room table waiting to be placed in mylar or ohter type of holder and put away with the collection.
That is okay though, it gives me a lineup to post in the coming days and weeks. So, let's get started with the 1933 New Zealand 1 Florin I picked up from a dealer in New York state. You will have to excuse the images, as they make the coin look gold or copperish even. But in reality it is silver. Yeah, my photography skills still suck ass.
Historical Context: the Coin's Era
The entire 30's was a terrible time due to the Great Depression. New Zealand was no different than any other country during this era. So, I imagine 1 Florin back then for a common everyday person probably went a long way.
Coin's Minting Year and Historical Significance
1933 of course sat smack in the Great Depression and during the reign of King George V. There were a few historical events during the year this coin was minted such as the New Deal and Prohibition repeal in the United States. Then Hitler became chanclor of Germany, there was the Reichstag fire, and the first solo flight across the Pacific.
Cultural and Symbolic Elements in the Coin's Design
OBVERSE
The obverse of the coin displays a bust of King George the Fifth. He is wearing his crown and what looks to be his royal regalia. The legend around is self evident. Ole' George at the time this coin was minted was the King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India. New Zealand was one of the countries within the British Dominion.
REVERSE
The reverse displays New Zealand's beloved wingless Kiwi bird. Then legend displays the country name at the top and the date and denomination at the bottom of the coin.
Rarity and Value
In 1933 over two million of these coins were produced for circulation, and only 20 proofs were produced according to Numista. This particular year for a circulated coin can range from $10 - $15 USD in value depending on the condition ranging from Fine to XF. It has a rarity index on Numista of 13 which makes it somehwat easy to find.
Mintage and Engraving
This particular coin was minted at the Royal Mint in London England. The Obverse engraver was Percy Metcalfe and the Reverse was George Kruger Gray.
If you have any further information about this coin you would like to add, like historical information I left out or want to correct any I may have gotten wrong, please drop it in the comments.
Thanks,
Joe
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