1975 New Zealand 2 Dollar Banknote – P‑164c
A Vibrant Early‑Decimal Note Featuring Queen Elizabeth II & the Rifleman
The 1975 New Zealand 2 Dollar banknote (Pick 164c) is part of the country’s Second Decimal Series, issued between 1975 and 1977. This series continued the original 1967 decimal designs but introduced updated signatures and improved printing quality. The P‑164c subtype is defined by its R. L. Knight signature, confirmed in listings for this issue.
This note features the youthful portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and celebrates New Zealand’s unique biodiversity with the rifleman (Acanthisitta chloris) on the reverse — one of the country’s smallest and oldest native bird species.
Key Features & Catalogue Details
Country: New Zealand
Issuer: Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Denomination: 2 Dollars
Years of Issue: ND 1975–1977
Pick Number: P‑164c
Printer: Thomas De La Rue & Co.
Material: Paper, intaglio + multicolour lithographic underprint
Dimensions: Approx. 145 × 73 mm
Watermark: Captain James Cook
Signature Variety: R. L. Knight (defining the “c” subtype)
Theme: Royal portraiture + native wildlife
Design Overview
Obverse – Queen Elizabeth II
Features the youthful portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, wearing the Queen Alexandra Kokoshnik tiara.
Printed in green and multicolour, with crisp intaglio detailing.
Clean, formal layout typical of New Zealand’s early decimal design.
Reverse – Rifleman (Acanthisitta chloris)
Depicts the New Zealand rifleman, one of the country’s smallest and most ancient bird species, belonging to the endemic Acanthisittidae family.
Surrounded by native flora, reinforcing the natural‑heritage theme of the series.
A distinctive and beloved design among collectors.
Watermark
Captain James Cook, visible when held to the light — a long‑standing watermark used across several denominations.
Historical Context
The P‑164 series was introduced after the success of New Zealand’s 1967 decimalisation. By 1975, updated signatures and minor technical refinements created new catalogue subtypes, including P‑164c.
This note circulated widely throughout the mid‑1970s and remains one of the most recognisable early decimal designs. It was eventually replaced by the redesigned Fourth Series in 1981 and later withdrawn entirely when the $2 coin was introduced in 1991.
Why Collect the P‑164c Note?
Classic Early Decimal Design: A key type from New Zealand’s first decade of decimal currency.
Strong Catalogue Identity: Clearly referenced as Pick 164c.
Attractive Artwork: Combines a royal portrait with a beautifully engraved native bird.
Consistent Market Demand: Regularly traded across global numismatic platforms.
Affordable & Popular: Ideal for both new and advanced collectors.
