The New Zealand 5 cent coin was the lowest denomination coin of the New Zealand dollar from 1989 to 2006. The 5 cent coin was introduced when the New Zealand dollar was introduced on 10 July 1967, replacing the New Zealand sixpence coin. On 31 July 2006 it was eliminated as part of a revision of New Zealand's coins, and it was demonetised (no longer legal tender) as of 1 November 2006.[2]
Design
On 10 July 1967, New Zealand's former pre-decimal pound currency, pegged to the British pound, was changed to a decimal dollar at a rate of two dollars to a pound. Therefore, 5 cents was worth 6 old pence, and the 5-cent coin replaced the old sixpence coin.
The coin was made of cupronickel, 19.43 mm in diameter, and weighed 2.83 grams.
In 2006, as part of the Reserve Bank's "Change for the better" coin replacement, higher denomination coins (10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents) were reduced in size and weight and their composition changed from cupronickel to plated steel. However, the 5-cent coin was not included and was eliminated instead.