This rare 50c NZ coin could now be worth over $1,000 – check your wallet

It’s round, silver, and you’ve probably handed one over without thinking twice.

But one specific 50-cent coin — minted right here in New Zealand — is now fetching prices well above $1,000 on collectors’ sites.

And chances are, you could have one sitting in a drawer, glovebox or jar at home.

The coin that’s turning heads

The coin in question isn’t gold, isn’t oversized, and wasn’t even rare when it first came out.

It’s the 1967 New Zealand 50-cent piece, part of the very first decimal currency set issued when the country switched from pounds to dollars.

But what makes it valuable today isn’t just its age — it’s the combination of condition, low surviving numbers, and a few highly sought-after minting quirks.

“Most people don’t realise they’ve held a piece of NZ’s monetary history in their hands,” says Stephen O’Connor, a numismatist (coin expert) based in Auckland. “Some of these early 50c coins, especially the uncirculated ones or those with specific errors, are extremely desirable.”

What to look for

Not all 1967 50c coins are worth a fortune — but here’s what sets the valuable ones apart:

• Year: Must be from 1967, the first year of decimal coinage.
• Condition: Coins in mint or near-uncirculated condition (little to no wear, clear details) are far more valuable.
• Errors: Look for double strikes, off-centre designs, or coins where the edge milling (the ridges) is missing or uneven. These rare mistakes can multiply value dramatically.
• Packaging: Some were sold in presentation sets — if yours is still sealed in plastic or in its original box, it’s even more desirable.

Collectors have recently paid between $800 and $1,200 for pristine examples with documented minting errors.

Why the sudden interest?

There’s been a global surge in coin collecting post-COVID, driven in part by online communities, YouTube channels and TikTok videos showcasing “ordinary” coins with extraordinary value.

In New Zealand, where only a limited number of 1967 coins were preserved in top condition, demand now far exceeds supply.

“It’s a piece of nostalgia, a bit of history, and for some – a real investment,” says O’Connor. “It’s like treasure in plain sight.”

Where to check — and what to do if you find one

Start with your old coin jars, family heirlooms, or inherited collections — many of these coins were kept as souvenirs when the currency changed.

If you think you’ve found a 1967 50c worth something:

1. Do not clean it – this can reduce its value.
2. Photograph it in detail, front and back.
3. Reach out to a local coin dealer, auction house, or online appraisal site.

And if it’s a dud? No harm done — it’s still legal tender.

But if it’s the right one… You might be holding a $1,000 coin in the palm of your hand.