Coin Designs

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30976, 4 February 1966, Page 12

Coin Designs

Sir, —Although none of the designs are yet in the final stage, I have never seen anything which will publicise New Zealand’s mediocrity more appropriately. It is indeed a hotch-potch collection, showing that we are still an 1867 peasant community. If we are going to have a Rugby player, we might as well show all the New Zealand R’s to maintain a similarity with the present designs. I suggest: 50 cent coin, a famous racehorse; 20 cent, the Rugby player; 10 cent, beer bottles and halfG’s (a glass of beer will cost about that much): 5 cent, the present design since it does not signify anything to an outsider: 2 cent, cricket bats and a set of stumps; 1 cent, a set of bowls. By keeping the style of design reminiscent of early Roman coins, we will be doing just fine, thanks.—Yours, etc., N. C. LAMBRECHTSEN. February 3, 1966.

Sir, —It was unwise for “The Press” to rush into an editorial on coin design. It is easy to criticise destructively, and that perhaps is the first reaction of some people to something cultural. The majority of the coins have great merit, and anyone who has witnessed the great thought and skill required to design a coin will know something of their value. Mention was made that there should have been a building on one of the coins. Perhaps the “beehive” motif should have been used. That would have given plenty of scope for talk.— Yours, etc., P.J.A. February 2, 1966.