New Zealand Mint Coin Set For Obama

New Zealand Mint Coin Set For Obama

In the lead up to today’s Independence Day celebrations, Americans have snapped up New Zealand Mint coins commemorating the 50th anniversary of the redesign of the country’s flag.

Ten thousand copies of the New Zealand Mint’s three-piece Flags of America commemorative set have been minted.

All but a few have been sold to coin distributors in the United States ahead of today’s celebrations- but the Mint is saving one for a special American. The company intends to gift the first set of coins marked 001 to American president Barack Obama in recognition of the country's national day.

Chris Kirkness, the New Zealand Mint's North American vice president of operations, says Americans revere the Stars and Stripes. "There is no more important time for Americans to focus on their flag than on Independence Day."

“Because of this fervent patriotism we decided it would be appropriate to produce coins with images of the three flags that have marked important moments in the history of the United States. It also demonstrates the Mint's ability to meet the needs of global clients.”

Mr Kirkness says the coins appeal to both collectors and retailers and have been snapped up by US distributors in time for the fanfare surrounding 4th of July celebrations.

“The US flag is a symbol of national independence and embodies the essence of patriotism there and we took great care in designing the coin set. The attention to detail in the design and the quality of the metallurgy means the coins have been snapped up by distributors,” Mr Kirkness says.

“And of course, we are delighted to have been able to present a set to President Obama.”

The Flags of America Commemorative set comprises three coins in a white wooden display case representing the Grand Union Flag, the Betsy Ross Flag and the 50 Star Flag.

Although it never had official status, the Grand Union Flag is recognised as the first true US flag and combines the Union Jack with 13 stripes representing the original colonies. Interestingly, the use of the Union Jack in the upper corner seems to signify a continued loyalty to the government against which the rebellious colonies fought. At the time of the adoption by Congress of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the US had no official flag. The flag had been used early in the American war of independence and formed the basis for the design of the first official US flag.

The Betsy Ross Flag was designed during the war of independence too and features an arrangement of 13 five-pointed stars in a circle. It is the first United States flag to be recognised internationally. Legend has it the original Betsy Ross flag was made on July 4, 1776 when a small number of citizens – rumoured to have included George Washington - visited Betsy and discussed the need for a new American flag. Betsy designed the five-pointed star – instead of a six-pointed star - and accepted the job to sew the first one.

The 50 Star Flag became official on July 4, 1960 when Hawaii joined the Union. It is the flag people the world over are familiar with and consists of 13 equal stripes of red alternating with white. It has a blue rectangle in the canton with 50 small, five-pointed stars arranged in offset horizontal rows. The 50 stars represent the 50 states and the 13 bars the original 13 rebellious colonies.

Each of the three coins has a nominal value of US$1 and they are issued on behalf the Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians with the obverse side of each coin featuring the Mesa Grande effigy of the American eagle.

The set retails for NZ$234 and are available locally for New Zealand collectors through the New Zealand Mint website. Sets include a six-page booklet outlining some of the stories behind each flag as well as a certificate of authenticity signed by the Mint Master and containing full minting specifications.

About New Zealand Mint: New Zealand Mint is New Zealand’s only precious metal mint. Founded in 1967, New Zealand Mint has been minting legal tender commemorative coins, gold bullion and medallions for more than four decades. Best known for its Gold Kiwi bullion, New Zealand Mint produces and markets a wide range of precious metal items including gold and silver bullion coins, commemorative and collectors coins, as well as jewellery.

On the Web: www.newzealandmint.com

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