The Half Crown

09/04/2026

The New Zealand Florin (1933–1965) is an absolute staple for any local collector. If you’re hunting through an old jar, the golden rule is to check for anything 1946 or earlier for that 50% silver content. But the real trophy is the 1936 the undisputed "key date" of the series. Pristine examples can run into the thousands at auction, so it’s always worth a second look!

07/04/2026

Toner Tuesday! Some stunning natural patina on this 1990 Kirkcaldie & Stains 150th Anniversary silver medal. It’s developed some incredible character for a Millennial.

02/04/2026

We have some odds and ends on TradeMe this week, all closing this Sunday night. Featured items include a Fleming £10, consecutive decimal $1 banknotes, and a diverse assortment of bulk coins.

Everything is listed with a $1 Reserve. Check out the link in the comments below to get your bids in!

01/04/2026

Today, we’re proud to announce a discovery that challenges everything we knew about New Zealand coinage. A local estate find has revealed what appears to be a previously unrecorded "Summer" Waitangi Pattern Crown, featuring a fascinating variation of the original design.

In this "relaxed" version, Chief Tāmati Wāka Nene is depicted wearing a pair of jandals, while Captain Hobson has swapped his formal trousers for stubbies. Marking this as the first coin to feature this iconic duo.

Truly a missed opportunity by the Mint, and an amazing item to behold on this first day of April. Happy collecting!

31/03/2026

Kiwis often view gold through the lens of a stable New Zealand Dollar, seeing it simply as an investment asset. However, as this chart of the Iranian Rial demonstrates, gold’s primary function is as a hedge against currency collapse - whether that occurs over decades or, as in Iran’s case, almost overnight.

18/03/2026

For those of you drawn to the era of Braveheart, this silver penny of Edward I (r. 1272–1307) offers a direct, tangible connection to the First War of Scottish Independence. Known to history as the "Hammer of the Scots," Edward I's reign was defined by the very conflicts depicted on screen. This "Long Cross" type was the standard currency circulating while William Wallace led his campaigns, surviving over seven centuries to reach us here in Aotearoa today.

Authentic 1279–1307 Edward I silver penny with Long Cross, a medieval coin famed for currency reform and anti-clip design from the London Mint.

16/03/2026

Interesting little set on offer here....when the Irish Free State established its own currency in 1928, it aimed to surpass the quality of the British "Imperial" coinage then in circulation. Since 1920, British silver had been debased to just .500 (50%) purity. Ireland's choice of .750 silver for the Half Crown, Florin, and Shilling was a proud move to offer a higher intrinsic value.

For the smaller denominations, the Sixpence (6d) and Threepence (3d), the government opted for pure nickel. This was a practical innovation; nickel provided a bright, silver-like finish that wouldn't tarnish or wear down as quickly as low-grade silver, making it the perfect "workhorse" for high-circulation daily change.

This four-coin set represents the inaugural silver issues of the Irish Free State (Saorstát Éireann). Introduced in 1928, these coins replaced British currency with a series of distinctly Irish designs that celebrated the nation's agrarian heritage. Each coin features the iconic Brian Ború Harp o...

12/03/2026

It’s time for a proper autumn clean-out! There is something for every budget here, and it’s all $1 Reserve to ensure it finds a new home.

Everything must go—come grab a bargain. Auctions close Thursday 19th March at 8:20pm.

11/03/2026

We've just put together some more one ounce lots of New Zealand pre-decimal silver.

These 1933–1946 pieces are a great way to own a slice of our local history while adding to your silver stack at a low premium. It’s that perfect middle ground where tangible Kiwi heritage meets solid bullion value. Whether you're a collector or just like the feel of real silver, these are a classic choice.

Supply is limited, and these tend to sell out fast.

1 oz of 50% Silver New Zealand Coins—historic pre-decimal issues for collectors and investors, blending heritage with 0.5 oz pure silver per lot.

09/03/2026