1977 New Zealand 1 Dollar Banknote – P‑163d
A Classic Mid‑Decimal Issue Featuring Queen Elizabeth II & the Fantail The 1977 New Zealand 1 Dollar banknote (Pick 163d) is part of the country’s Second Decimal Series, issued between 1977 and 1981. This series continued the original 1967 decimal designs but introduced updated signatures and technical refinements. The P‑163d subtype is defined by the H. R. Hardie signature, confirmed in the search results.
This note features the youthful portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and celebrates New Zealand’s natural heritage with the fantail (pīwakawaka) on the reverse. It is one of the most recognisable and widely collected early decimal notes.
Key Features & Catalogue Details
Country: New Zealand
Issuer: Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Denomination: 1 Dollar
Years of Issue: ND 1977–1981
Pick Number: P‑163d
Printer: Thomas De La Rue & Co.
Material: Paper, intaglio + multicolour lithographic underprint
Dimensions: Approx. 140 × 70 mm
Watermark: Captain James Cook
Signature Variety: H. R. Hardie (defining the “d” 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 brown with a multicolour underprint.
Clean, formal layout typical of New Zealand’s early decimal design.
Reverse – Fantail (Pīwakawaka) & Native Flora
Depicts the fantail, a lively native bird known for its distinctive fanned tail.
Accompanied by native plants, consistent with the series’ natural history theme.
Confirmed in search results as the central reverse motif.
Watermark
Captain James Cook, visible when held to the light — a long‑standing watermark used across several denominations.
Historical Context
The P‑163d issue represents the mid‑period of New Zealand’s early decimal currency. By 1977, the original 1967 designs had become familiar nationwide, and updated signatures created new catalogue subtypes.
This note circulated widely throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s and remains one of the most recognisable New Zealand banknotes of the era. It was eventually replaced by the redesigned Fourth Series in 1981 and later withdrawn entirely when the $1 coin was introduced in 1991.
Why Collect the P‑163d Note?
Classic Early Decimal Design: A key type from New Zealand’s first decades of decimal currency.
Strong Catalogue Identity: Clearly referenced as Pick 163d.
Attractive Artwork: Combines a royal portrait with native wildlife.
Affordable & Popular: Common enough for beginners, desirable enough for advanced collectors.
Consistent Market Demand: Regularly traded across global numismatic platforms.
