A die used in striking New Zealand's 1964 Penny — the second to last year of pre-decimal copper coinage — has resurfaced following its successful acquisition by Aventine from the estate of one of Australia’s most prominent collectors.

This tool would have been used to strike the reverse design featuring the iconic Tūī bird perched on a Kōwhai tree.

Pre-decimal New Zealand coin dies are virtually unknown outside institutional collections and museums, as the Royal Mint destroyed them upon decommissioning. 

In exceptional instances, it is believed that some high-level mint staff or government officials may have been granted the privilege of retaining a cancelled die for recognition of their services. 

This example reportedly originated from an estate in London and was sold privately by AC&B Auckland. 

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