The dramatic night skies of Aotearoa, New Zealand are sought out and internationally celebrated for their pristine celestial displays, with locations across the country now firm astronomy-tourism destinations and more areas officially recognised by the International Dark-Sky Association.

Alongside a set of proof currency coins, the silver coin set celebrates the beautiful vistas of deep dark and light in the southern skies, protected and enjoyed by many in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Highlights

• Proof currency set featuring two complementary silver coins showing contrasting night skies
• The obverse of the circulating and silver coins features the Commonwealth effigy designed for the Royal Mint by Dan Thorne
• Each silver coin is minted from 1/2oz of 0.999 silver
• Silver coins designed by Helen Perkins, NZ Post, Wellington, New Zealand
• Low worldwide limited mintage of 750 sets.

Design

Dark Sky | Light Sky

In January 2023, the Wairarapa Dark Sky Association successfully achieved its long-held goal of being granted certification for a new International Dark Sky Reserve in the Wairarapa region of the North Island. Covering 3,665 square kilometres of land, the new reserve is now protected for people to enjoy and learn about the night skies. This coin features a stunning image of the starry night sky that's possible to see thanks to the reserve.

Due to New Zealand's proximity to the South Pole, the night skies are occasionally graced with the Aurora Australis, known locally as the Southern Lights. While the Southern Lights can be visible around the country, the best views can be found low on the southern horizon in the South Island during the extended dark hours of winter nights. Away from bright residential lighting, with as little moonlight as possible, aurora hunters can see truly epic displays with little or no equipment. This coin features a vibrant image of the Southern Lights captured in the South Island.

Proof Currency Coins

Alongside the two silver coins, this set features proof versions of New Zealand's circulating currency coins. Each coin is specially dated 2024 and is the first to feature the portrait of King Charles III. Collectively the coins feature many well-known New Zealand symbols such as the M ori carved mask, known as a 'k ruru' on the 10-cent coin, and the HMS Endeavour, the ship of Captain James Cook, on the 50-cent coin.