2024 New Zealand Cave Taniwha 1 oz Silver Colorized Proof Coin

Te ao Māori (the Māori world) has many mythological references to supernatural entities and beings which dwell in te ao wairua (the spiritual realm). Taniwha feature prominently as powerful entities that can have both positive or a negative influence on people and environments. Although they are often depicted as fearsome in appearance, they can appear in many different forms.  

Highlights

• Celebrates the taniwha, a powerful supernatural legend unique to Aotearoa New Zealand 
• Obverse features portrait of King Charles III by Stephen Fuller 
• Each coin is minted from 1oz of 0.999 silver 
• Presented in an elegant display case with a uniquely numbered certificate of authenticity
• Low worldwide limited mintage of 750 coins. 

Design

This 1oz silver proof coin is minted from 0.999 silver, with a mirrored proof finish and a colour illustration of the mighty cave taniwha by New Zealand artist Dave Burke. Taniwha are also known to dwell in te ao kikokiko (the terrestrial realm) and there are many narratives speaking of them. These stories give names and locations of taniwha, and they also describe what form and appearance each taniwha assumes. There are also waiata (songs) and haka (dances) attributed to their taniwha. Taniwha in their earthly form are often elemental in appearance, such as wood, wind, water or stone. Whether celestial or terrestrial, taniwha are a special part of te ao Māori and the peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand.