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Auction: 25888 - The Jeffrey Wong Collection of World Banknotes - Part I
Lot: 175

(x) Reserve Bank of New Zealand, [2 notes] obverse and reverse 2 Zeal essay, undated, serial number 050 567890,

purple design the portrait of Captain Cook as seen on issued notes (circa. 1940-1967) at the right of the obverse.

Switching to decimal currency had been proposed in New Zealand since the 1930s, although only in the 1950s did any plans come to fruition. In 1957, a committee was set up by the Government to investigate decimal currency. The idea fell on fertile ground, and in 1963, the Government decided to decimalise New Zealand currency. The Decimal Currency Act was passed in 1964, setting the date of transition to 10 July 1967. Words such as "fern", "kiwi" and "zeal" were proposed to avoid confusion with the word "dollar", which many people associate with the United States dollar. In the end, the word "dollar" was chosen anyway, and an anthropomorphic dollar note cartoon character called "Mr. Dollar" became the symbol of transition in a huge publicity campaign.

(Unlisted), in PMG holders 62 Uncirculated and 65 EPQ Gem Uncirculated, tears in reverse design. These magnificent printer's designs boldly display the concept of the new denomination 'Zeal,' that, despite best efforts, was never officially adopted. Exceptionally rare and monumental pieces of monetary history (2 notes)

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£5,000 to £8,000

Starting price
£3200