2024 New Zealand Annual Coin - Popoto Maui Dolphin Silver Proof Coin - Silver Coin

Aotearoa New Zealand is known for both its unique and diverse wildlife and its surprising lack of native land mammals - limited to just two species of bat. Around the motu’s 15,000-kilometre coastline, however, it’s a different story. Many whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea lions visit or reside in the coastal waters and on the shores of Aotearoa New Zealand, including around half of the world’s whale and dolphin species. Pahu Hector’s dolphin and Popoto Māui dolphin are only found in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Highlights

Features the endangered Māui dolphin, the rarest dolphin in the world

Obverse features portrait of King Charles III by Stephen Fuller

Each coin is minted from 2oz of 0.999 silver

Designed by New Zealand artist Dave Burke

Low worldwide limited mintage of 400 coins.

Design

Māui dolphin is the rarest dolphin in the world. The population is estimated to be between 40 and 57 and, due to the animals’ relatively short lifespans, late sexual maturity and low reproduction rates, will grow by a maximum of one individual per year. This coin features an illustration of Māui dolphin by Māori artist Dave Burke. With a proof finish, it includes vibrant colour printing and a kowhaiwhai wave pattern. The obverse features a portrait of King Charles III by New Zealand designer Stephen J Fuller.