Featuring New Zealand's Cave Taniwha reverse with Solomon Islands Obverse. 

New Zealand, 2024. Fifty Cents. Erroneously struck with the obverse effigy of HM King Charles III by Dan Thorne intended for the Solomon Islands [KM#2246], with the New Zealand Cave Taniwha reverse depicting the Māori legend of Hatupatu finding sanctuary within a cave inhabited by Taniwha. Some die chipping, most notably around the legend and fields. KM#Unlisted. NGC Certified 8387299-001 PF69 Ultra Cameo. Ex Apmex, sold December 2024. Private treaty sale via a dealer in January 2025 and subsequently to our vendor.

This example is one of the few pieces to survive in private ownership before the entire mintage was recalled, resulting in a modern-day rarity that uniquely unites two sovereign Pacific nations in a single numismatic issue. 

At the time of publication, this specimen is the first and only example to be independently certified by NGC, the world’s foremost third-party authority for coins.

This distinction is paramount for a legally unrecognized issue that is otherwise highly susceptible to counterfeits appearing on the market.

The cataloguer notes that 10 examples of this error are reported to have survived at the time of publication. However, we cannot confirm the authenticity or existence of these specimens or claims, and no examples have appeared in public auctions to date.

Identification Guide: 2024 New Zealand & Solomon Islands Mule 50 Cents

NGC: "A Mule is a coin that has an obverse and reverse that were not intended to go together"

Following the official ANE 2025 Sale in conjunction with Aventine, the first confirmed certified Discovery Example of this new mule realized a record hammer price of $2,450 NZD, representing a landmark moment: the confirmed certified Discovery Example published—and the first to be sold in a public auction.

As this is an unofficial and legally unrecognised issue, no release information has been confirmed by any issuing authority.

This uncertainty has created market conditions where altered, misidentified, or entirely counterfeit coins may be sold as genuine examples.

Collectors should also be aware that unscrupulous individuals—or organizations with vested interests—may negligently or falsely claim this issue is a licensed Solomon Islands product or that the Solomon effigy is on every coin of this issue, subsequently offering store credit and repurchase schemes. Under questionable circumstances, 1-5 examples of this mule have been purported to be offered for sale from the UAE.

Known Attributes of Confirmed Examples:

Obverse (Solomon Islands - Charles III Effigy):

• Portrait engraving by Dan Thorne used for KM#2246 (Solomon Islands)
• Light die chipping on earlobe
• Die chipping on the effigy's suit collar
• Proof-cameo fields on known examples

Unverified Variants (Currently Under Study):

Aventine has received reports of suspected variants with:

• Die chipping on the king's eyebrow in late die states

If you believe you may have an example—or are uncertain—we encourage you to get in touch:

• Whether or not the coin is certified
• Even if it shows signs of wear or damage
• Even if it was acquired privately, overseas, or without provenance

Aventine is assisting collectors with independent authentication through NGC as an Authorized Dealer.

Each enquiry helps us better understand the scope of what exists and contributes to maintaining integrity within the market.

Contact the Numismatic Department:

client@aventine.co.nz | www.Aventine.co.nz

All enquiries are handled with full discretion. There is no charge for assessments of suspected mule errors.