10 Dollars - Elizabeth II 4th Portrait - Māui and the Fish

Historical Context: The 2018 New Zealand 10 Dollars coin, featuring Elizabeth II's Fourth Portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley, emerges from an era of heightened cultural recognition within New Zealand numismatics. This period saw a dedicated effort to integrate significant Māori legends and artistry into national coinage. The "Māui and the Fish" design specifically commemorates one of the most foundational myths of Māori cosmology, reflecting New Zealand's bicultural identity and the increasing prominence of indigenous narratives in its official iconography. This coin stands as a testament to the nation's rich cultural heritage.

Artistry: The obverse features Ian Rank-Broadley's dignified Fourth Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, a standard effigy for Commonwealth coinage of the period. The reverse design, a modern commemorative interpretation, vividly illustrates the legendary Māui in his waka, actively fishing up Te Ika-a-Māui, the North Island. This dynamic portrayal blends traditional Māori artistic elements, such as intricate patterns and stylised forms, with contemporary numismatic aesthetics. The design captures the epic scale of the myth, showcasing Māui's strength and the immense fish, representing the land he created.

Technical/Grading: Struck in .9999 fine gold, this 15.5517-gram coin typically exhibits an exceptional strike, a hallmark of modern commemorative issues. Key high-points for evaluation include the intricate details of Queen Elizabeth II's tiara and hair on the obverse. On the reverse, critical areas are Māui's facial features, the texture and patterns of his waka, the taut fishing line, and the distinct scales or surface texture of the colossal fish. A premium example will display full design detail, sharp relief, and pristine fields, indicative of its proof or high-grade uncirculated status.