1974 New Zealand 5 Dollar Banknote – A Regal Tribute to the Natural World
In the years following New Zealand’s decimalisation in 1967, the Reserve Bank introduced a new series of banknotes that blended royal symbolism with native flora and fauna. The $5 note, first issued in 1967 and continuing through the 1970s, became a standout for its vibrant orange tones and its celebration of the tūī bird and kōwhai flowers—two icons of New Zealand’s natural heritage. By 1974, the note bore the signature of Chief Cashier R. Lindsay Knight, marking a mid-series evolution in both design and collectibility.
This note is part of the “Third Series” of New Zealand decimal banknotes and was printed by Thomas De La Rue & Co. in London. It remained in circulation until it was demonetized in 1991, making it a nostalgic piece of Kiwi history.
Key Features & Historical Significance
Issuer: Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Denomination: 5 Dollars
Year of Issue: 1974 (ND – no printed date)
Pick Number: P-165c
Printer: Thomas De La Rue & Co., London
Size: Approx. 150 × 75 mm
Material: Paper with intaglio and multicolour lithographic printing
Design Highlights
Obverse: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing a tiara, engraved in fine detail and set against an orange multicolour underprint.
Reverse: A beautifully rendered tūī bird perched on a branch of kōwhai flowers, both native to New Zealand and symbolic of its unique biodiversity.
Watermark: Portrait of Captain James Cook, visible when held to light.
Colour Scheme: Warm orange tones with multicolour security underprint.
Bilingual Text: English only, as was standard for New Zealand notes of the era.
Why Collect This Banknote?
The 1974 $5 note is a vibrant and meaningful addition to any collection. It offers:
Cultural and ecological symbolism, with native species featured prominently
Royal portraiture, capturing Queen Elizabeth II in her early reign
Historical value, as part of New Zealand’s early decimal currency
Celebrate New Zealand’s natural beauty and royal legacy with this iconic $5 note. Whether you’re a collector, a history enthusiast, or a gift-giver, the 1974 New Zealand 5 Dollar banknote is a timeless piece of Aotearoa’s story.
