Most Kiwis don’t give a second thought to the spare change rattling around in their kitchen drawer or glovebox.
But right now, one specific New Zealand 50c coin is being snapped up by collectors — for prices of over $1,000.
And the kicker? You could have one without even knowing it.
The coin collectors are chasing
The coin in question is a New Zealand 50-cent piece minted in 2003, featuring the standard Endeavour ship design — but what makes it valuable is a rare minting error.
On a small number of coins produced that year, the rim is noticeably doubled, creating what’s known among numismatists as a “double rim strike”.
This defect, while subtle, is enough to transform a 50-cent coin into a high-value collector’s item — provided it’s in decent condition.
“Most people wouldn’t even notice it unless they’re looking closely,” says James Taylor, an Auckland-based coin dealer.
“But serious collectors are willing to pay four figures for verified examples.”
A recent sale just shocked the market
Earlier this year, one such coin in near-perfect condition sold on Trade Me for $1,225, after a heated bidding war between two Australian buyers.
It had been sitting in a jar of coins for nearly 20 years.
“We thought it was just regular change from the 2000s,” said the seller. “But someone in a Facebook group pointed out the edge looked weird. I had no idea it could be worth that much.”
How to spot one
So how do you know if you’ve got a winner?
Check for the following:
- Year: 2003
- Design: The standard Endeavour ship and Queen Elizabeth II’s profile
- Minting error: A double rim or offset edge, visible on either side of the coin
- Condition: The better the condition (minimal scratches, clear detail), the more it’s worth
Many of the coins are still in circulation or tucked away in coin jars, old wallets, or kids’ savings boxes.
What makes it so rare?
The Royal New Zealand Mint has never officially confirmed how many misstruck coins were released, but estimates suggest fewer than 2,000 may exist.
Because the error doesn’t affect the coin’s usability, most were never pulled from circulation — making them hard to trace and often overlooked.
“Unlike commemorative coins, these are just hiding in plain sight,” says Taylor.
“That’s what makes them so exciting.”
Should you sell or hold?
Experts say the value of rare NZ currency is quietly rising, particularly among Australian and UK collectors. With the Queen’s portrait now phased out of future mints, older designs are attracting more attention.
If you think you’ve found one, get it verified by a registered dealer or auction house — and avoid polishing or cleaning it, which can reduce its value.
So… should you check your wallet?
Absolutely. Because that humble 50c coin sitting in your glovebox might not be just spare change.
It could be the easiest $1,000 you’ve ever made.
