1981 New Zealand 1 Dollar Banknote – P‑169a
A Modernised Early‑1980s Issue Featuring Queen Elizabeth II & the Fantail
The 1981 New Zealand 1 Dollar banknote (Pick 169a) marks the beginning of the final paper‑note era for this denomination. Issued from 1981 to 1985, this note belongs to the Fourth Series of New Zealand banknotes and features the mature portrait of Queen Elizabeth II alongside the iconic fantail (pīwakawaka) on the reverse.
According to RealBanknotes, the P‑169a type is printed in dark brown on a multicolour underprint, with the mature portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the front and the pied fantail on the back. It also carries the H. R. Hardie signature, confirming its subtype and issue period.
Key Features & Catalogue Details
Country: New Zealand
Issuer: Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Denomination: 1 Dollar
Years of Issue: ND 1981–1985
Pick Number: P‑169a
Printer: BWC (Bradbury Wilkinson & Co.)
Material: Paper, intaglio + multicolour lithographic underprint
Dimensions: Approx. 140 × 70 mm
Watermark: Captain James Cook
Signature: H. R. Hardie (Chief Cashier)
Theme: Royal portraiture + native wildlife
This subtype is the first of the P‑169 series and is widely catalogued across major numismatic platforms.
Design Overview
Obverse – Queen Elizabeth II
Mature portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, wearing the Queen Alexandra Kokoshnik tiara.
Printed in dark brown with a multicolour security underprint.
Clean, modern layout typical of early‑1980s New Zealand banknote design.
Reverse – Fantail (Pīwakawaka)
Features the pied fantail, a lively and iconic New Zealand native bird.
Surrounded by native plants, consistent with the natural‑heritage theme of the series.
Confirmed in RealBanknotes’ description of the P‑169a reverse.
Watermark
Captain James Cook, visible when held to the light — a long‑standing watermark used across multiple denominations.
Historical Context
The P‑169a issue represents the first printing of the redesigned Fourth Series $1 note. By the early 1980s, New Zealand was modernising its currency, and this updated design replaced the earlier P‑163 series.
The $1 paper note remained in circulation until 1991, when it was replaced by a coin. This makes the P‑169a one of the earliest examples of the final paper‑note generation for this denomination.
Why Collect the P‑169a Note?
First subtype of the final paper $1 series
Strong catalogue identity (Pick 169a, Hardie signature)
Attractive design featuring Queen Elizabeth II and native wildlife
