The “Finest Example” 1935 Waitangi Crown Proof

New Zealand. George V. 1935 Crown. Proof ( Lee Die I ) Strike. "Finest Known | Top Pop”. NGC PF66 Cameo [ 6906664-001 ]. KM#5

The Waitangi Crown is widely recognized as New Zealand's Most Iconic Coin, depicting the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on February 6th 1840. It features Ngāpuhi Māori chief Tāmati Wāka Nene and British Governor William Hobson clasping hands beneath a crown—along with the words "NEW ZEALAND CROWN 1935 WAITANGI". On the obverse, a portrait of King George V, inscribed with "GEORGE V KING EMPEROR". 

Four hundred sixty-eight proof specimens are officially recorded to be struck, with the silver used by the Royal Mint to produce these coins from Waihi, New Zealand. 

NGC uses Cameo designations on qualified specimens displaying "contrast between the fields and devices on both sides. This is achieved when the surrounding fields are polished on the coining die to give them a brilliant finish. The design elements are either untouched or sandblasted to have a matte finish. As the dies are used repeatedly to strike coins, this effect can fade". 

Our vendor, who once handled a record 20+ Waitangi Crowns—including a number of complete proof sets within a span of less than 3 years—considers this the finest example he has encountered.