1985 New Zealand 1 Dollar Banknote – P‑169b
A Classic Late‑Issue Paper Dollar Featuring Queen Elizabeth II & the Fantail
The 1985 New Zealand 1 Dollar banknote (Pick 169b) is part of the Reserve Bank’s Fourth Series (1975–1991), the final generation of $1 paper notes before the denomination was replaced by a coin in 1991. This issue features the mature portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and celebrates New Zealand’s natural heritage with the fantail (pīwakawaka) on the reverse.
The P‑169b variety is defined by its signature combination and belongs to the mid‑1980s printings, making it a popular and accessible type note for collectors of modern Commonwealth currency.
Key Features & Catalogue Details
Country: New Zealand
Issuer: Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Denomination: 1 Dollar
Year: ND (1985–1989)
Pick Number: P‑169b
Printer: Thomas De La Rue & Co.
Material: Paper, intaglio + multicolour lithographic underprint
Dimensions: Approx. 140 × 70 mm
Watermark: Captain James Cook
Signatures: S. T. Russell (Governor)
Theme: Royal portraiture + native wildlife
This subtype is widely catalogued and appears in major references, including Banknote World and RealBanknotes listings.
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 underprint for security.
Central denomination panel and Reserve Bank text in clean, modern typography.
Reverse – Fantail (Pīwakawaka) & Clematis
Features the fantail, one of New Zealand’s most recognisable native birds.
Accompanied by Clematis paniculata, a native flowering vine.
Strong natural history theme consistent with the entire Fourth Series.
Watermark
Captain James Cook, visible when held to the light — a long‑standing watermark used across multiple denominations.
Historical Context
The 1985–1989 P‑169b issue represents the final era of New Zealand’s $1 paper currency. Rising production costs and inflation led to the introduction of the $1 coin in 1991, making these notes the last of their kind.
The P‑169b subtype is distinguished by its signature pairing and sits between the earlier P‑169a and later P‑169c/d varieties. It is widely collected as a representative type note of late‑20th‑century New Zealand currency.
Why Collect the P‑169b Note?
End‑of‑Era Design: One of the last $1 paper notes before the denomination was discontinued.
Strong Catalogue Identity: Clearly referenced as Pick 169b.
Attractive Artwork: Combines royal portraiture with native wildlife.
Affordable & Accessible: Ideal for both new and advanced collectors.
Consistent Market Demand: Popular across Commonwealth and Oceania collections.
