2012 New Zealand $5 Uncirculated Coin – New Zealand Native Birds: Fairy Tern

2012 $5 Uncirculated Coin – New Zealand Native Birds: Fairy Tern

Celebrate the natural heritage of New Zealand with this exquisite $5 commemorative coin. Issued as part of the "Native Birds" series, this release highlights the New Zealand Fairy Tern (tara-iti), New Zealand’s rarest native breeding bird. With a critically small population in the wild, this bird is a symbol of conservation and the delicate beauty of the North Island's coastal ecosystems.

This coin was struck by the Royal Dutch Mint for New Zealand Post and serves as a poignant tribute to a species fighting for survival.

Specifications

• Year of Issue: 2012
• Denomination: $5
• Metal Content: Cupro-Nickel
• Mass: 31.10g
• Diameter: 38.7mm
• Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
• Mintage: 2,000 (Individual Coincard)
• Issuer: New Zealand Post / Reserve Bank of New Zealand
• Numista Ref: N# 41737

Key Features and Design

• Detailed Reverse: Features the New Zealand Fairy Tern in two distinct poses: captured in mid-flight and within its natural nesting habitat. A mother bird and her chicks are beautifully depicted in an egg-shaped vignette, symbolising the importance of every egg to the species' survival.
• Obverse Portrait: Features the 4th definitive portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley.
• Limited Edition: With a worldwide mintage of only 2,000 for the individual coincard release, this is an exceptionally rare modern commemorative.
• Conservation Theme: Part of a series dedicated to raising awareness for New Zealand's unique avian fauna.

Condition and Presentation

• Condition: This coin is in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition, exhibiting sharp detail and original mint brilliance.
• Presentation: Housed in its original official New Zealand Post themed presentation coincard.
• Condition Note: While the coin itself is pristine, please note that the coincard may show very minor signs of shelf wear consistent with its age.