2004 New Zealand 10c Coin - Mule with $1 Obv - Graded MS66 #81398918

Coin Details:

• Name: 2004 New Zealand Mule with $1 Obv
  
• Denomination: 10 Cents
  
• Year: 2004
  
• Grading Service: PCGS
  
• Grade: MS66
• Population: 11 with only 3 graded higher
• Certification Number: https://www.pcgs.com/cert/81398918

Description: This 2004 New Zealand 10 cent coin is a remarkable "mule" error.  It features the correct 10 cent reverse, but mistakenly has the obverse die of a New Zealand dollar coin.  This is the opposite error to the well-known Australian 2000 dollar coin struck with a 10 cent obverse.

The 2004 New Zealand 10 cent, at 23.6mm, was the last of the larger cupro-nickel coins before the 2006 size change.  The New Zealand dollar coin is 23mm, a mere 0.6mm smaller. This slight difference in die size resulted in the 10 cent mules exhibiting a distinctive double rim.  This rim difference is approximately half the size of that seen on the Australian mule. Consequently, the Queen's portrait and legends on this New Zealand mule appear slightly smaller than on a standard 10 cent coin. This fascinating error is a significant find for collectors of New Zealand and error coinage.