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1998 New Zealand FIVE DOLLARS Dunedin |
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Obverse: | Queen Elizabeth II - Design by Raphael Maklouf. Legend: ELIZABETH. II. NEW ZEALAND 1997 |
Reverse: | Larnach Castle - Design by Michael McHalick. Legend: Larnach Castle DUNEDIN $5 |
| Edge: | Reeded - fully milled. |
| Weight: | 29.0000 grams. |
| Size: | 38.725 mm (diameter) |
| Composition: | Specimen: Copper-Nickel ; Proof: .925 Silver |
| Silver Content: | Proof only: .8411 oz |
| Mintage: | Royal Mint, Llantrisant: Specimen - 4,000 ; Proof - |
| Mintmarks: | None. |
Valuation :
1998 FIVE DOLLARS - Dunedin
| Extra Fine | Uncirc | Silver Proof | |
| 1998 | 14 | 60 |
 | Notes:The proof version of this coin was presented, encapsulated, in a velvet, hinged-lid case accompanied by a numbered certificate. The specimen version was mounted in a see-both-sides cardboard fold-out, protected by a colourful cardboard sleeve. The reverse design depicts Larnach Castle, probably New Zealand's most famous castle and a renowned Dunedin landmark. |
Dunedin - Edinburgh of the South
Dunedin is New Zealand's southernmost main city. Established in 1848 on the Otago coastline, Dunedin is a city of contrast. Founded by Scottish settlers, Dunedin was always going to have strong ties to Scotland. In fact, during the planning stages the city was known as 'New Edinburgh', until the name Dunedin was taken - the ancient Celtic name for Edinburgh.| In 1874 after the discovery of gold in Central Otago, Dunedin became, at the time, the largest city in New Zealand. Dunedin can claim to be one of the most diverse New Zealand cities. The city is situated in a partial amphitheatre at the head of Otago Harbour. Flat land, gentle hills, sheer cliffs, collapsed sea caves and rough coastline are all part of the varying Dunedin landscape. |  |
 | Scottish influence is shown in many central city street names, which have been duplicated from Edinburgh, as well as a bronze statue of Scottish poet Robbie Burns, erected in the Octagon, in the centre of Dunedin. Architecture is Victorian, and raw materials for the stone buildings preferred by the settlers were readily available locally. With materials so close and wealth from the Otago goldfields pouring into the expanding township, the time was right for young architects to shape the look of the city. One of the young architects, Robert Lawson, designed Dunedin's First Presbyterian Church and Knox Church. He also supervised construction of what is arguably New Zealand's most famous castle, Larnach Castle. |
Contributing to the Victorian architecture are the Dunedin Educational Institutions, University of Otago, Otago Polytechnic and College of Education. It is estimated that more than one in every five citizens in Dunedin is a student in one of these institutions. With an emphasis on education, students (or 'scarfies') have become an integral part of the city.
Taking advantage of the rough coastline and deep harbour are many varieties of wildlife. On the eastern head of the harbour, Taiaroa Head, there is the internationally famous colony of Northern Royal Albatrosses, the only place in the world where these giant birds breed on an inhabited mainland. Organised viewing of the birds is possible. Yellow-eyed penguins, southern fur seals and sea lions can also be seen on the coastline.
Source: Presentation folder accompanying the 1998 brilliant uncirculated Dunedin Five Dollar Coin - Reserve Bank of New Zealand, 1998.
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