Incredible New Zealand $20 Banknote to Sell for $1,000+ NZD

Auckland Address: 31 Bartley Terrace Devonport 0624 | Level 1 Unit D Suite E
Postal Address: PO Box 818 Auckland 1140 New Zealand
Christchurch Address: PO Box 20158 Bishopdale Christchurch 8543 New Zealand
Wellington Address: PO Box 24079 Manners St Wellington 6142 New Zealand
Email: sales@Aventine.co.nz
Phone [ Reception ]: 09 887 8480
For International Calls: +64 9 887 8480

01 Apr

Incredible New Zealand $20 Banknote to Sell for $1,000+ NZD

New Zealand. Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Series 7. Graeme Wheeler as RBNZ Governor. Twenty Dollars. Prefix CM16 Serial Number 000001. Uncirculated. Pick#193.

While this banknote appears unassuming at a glance, its true value to private collectors was revealed by Aventine — New Zealand’s leading dealership in numismatic rarities.

The first two letters of the serial identifier on all modern New Zealand banknotes form the prefix, while the next two numbers indicate the last two digits of the year of issue. Accordingly, this note is Prefix CM (20)16, with the actual serial number being 000001.

This note, along with its subsequent consecutive run of 7 others, was submitted by its finder to C&B Auctions (formerly Aventine Christchurch) for sale at the 3rd International ANE Coins and Banknotes Fair in time, while others suggested they were just mere everyday spending cash.

This item, fittingly offered as Lot No. 1 of the Official Auction of the Auckland Numismatic Expo with Aventine as Sale Host for 2026, closes on Saturday, 4th April.

Auction Link: https://www.coinauctions.co.nz/auction/40/item/serial-no-1-new-zealand-wheeler-20-consecutive-run-of-8x-notes-1137