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), paired with the New Zealand Cave Taniwha reverse depicting the Māori legend of Hatupatu finding sanctuary within a cave inhabited by Taniwha. Some die chipping is visible, particularly 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 known 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.

As of publication, this specimen remains 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 highly susceptible to counterfeits in the marketplace.

The cataloguer notes that 10 examples of this error are reported to have survived at the time of publication. However, no public auction appearances are recorded, and authenticity of reported pieces cannot be confirmed.

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

NGC Definition: "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 certified Discovery Example realized a record hammer price of $2,450 NZD, marking a landmark moment as the first authenticated public auction sale of this issue.

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

This uncertainty has allowed conditions in which altered, misidentified, or counterfeit examples may be misrepresented and offered as genuine.

Collectors should be aware that some individuals—or commercial entities with vested interests—may falsely claim the issue is officially licensed, or that the Solomon Islands effigy appears on all pieces. Under questionable circumstances, 1–5 examples have been reported for sale from the UAE.

Known Attributes of Confirmed Examples:

• Obverse: Solomon Islands effigy of HM King Charles III by Dan Thorne (KM#2246)
• Light die chipping near the earlobe
• Die chipping on the suit collar
• Proof-like cameo fields

Unverified Variants (Under Study):

Reports received include suspected examples featuring:

• Die chipping on the King’s eyebrow (late die state)

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 worn or damaged
• Even if purchased overseas or without provenance

Aventine is assisting collectors with independent authentication via NGC as an Authorized Dealer. Every enquiry contributes to documenting this issue and maintaining integrity within the marketplace.

Contact the Numismatic Department:
Email: 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.