2012 Maori Art - Hei Matau Silver Proof Coin

sells overseas between $225 to $325 each

The 1 troy oz silver proof hei matau coin is a stunning piece of Maori history and culture, as well as the world's first coin issue to have pounamu (New Zealand greenstone) set into the design.

A cultural treasure

The hei matau depicted on the 2012 Maori Art coin was hand-carved by renowned Rotorua Maori artist, Lewis Gardiner. The piece was especially commissioned for the 60 cent stamp in New Zealand Post’s 2011 Matariki stamp issue, and represents an outstanding example of modern hei matau design.

The significance of the hei matau and its associations with navigation, abundance of seafood, mana and knowledge are reflected in the themes of the coin design. The raised pattern on the coin behind the hei matau is based on a traditional Maori kowhaiwhai (frieze) pattern called ‘koiri’ (to sway/bend) combined with the traditional whakairo (woodcarving) pattern unaunahi (fish scales).

Presented with integrity

This stunning coin is presented within a black and red leatherette ipu (container) – colours that feature strongly in Maori mythology and art. The embossed pattern adorning the lid has been designed by Thomas Hansen. As on the coin, the traditional kowhaiwhai pattern combines the ‘koiri’ design with a traditional whakairo (woodcarving) pattern called unaunahi.

Denomination: One New Zealand dollar Composition: Silver proof (0.999) Weight: 1 troy oz Diameter: 38.60mm Edge treatment: Plain with notches Shape: Round Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England Reverse design: Hei matau set against a traditional kowhaiwhai design. A piece of pounamu is set into the coin Mint: Royal Dutch Mint Worldwide mintage limit: 3000 coins