1985 New Zealand 2 Dollar Banknote – P‑170b
A Late‑Series Paper Note Featuring Queen Elizabeth II & the Rifleman
The 1985 New Zealand 2 Dollar banknote (Pick 170b) is part of the country’s Fourth Series of decimal banknotes, issued between 1981 and 1991. This series modernised New Zealand’s currency with updated portraits, improved colour palettes, and refined printing quality. The P‑170b subtype is defined by its mid‑1980s signature combination, making it a popular and widely collected variety.
Printed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., this note features the mature portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and the rifleman (Acanthisitta chloris) — one of New Zealand’s smallest and most ancient native birds — on the reverse. It is a vibrant and iconic example of late‑20th‑century New Zealand banknote design.
Key Features & Catalogue Details
Country: New Zealand
Issuer: Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Denomination: 2 Dollars
Year of Issue: ND 1985
Pick Number: P‑170b
Series: Fourth Series (1981–1991)
Printer: Bradbury Wilkinson & Co.
Material: Paper, intaglio + multicolour lithographic underprint
Dimensions: Approx. 145 × 73 mm
Watermark: Captain James Cook
Signature Variety: Mid‑series signatures defining the “b” subtype
Theme: Royal portraiture + native wildlife
Design Overview
Obverse – Queen Elizabeth II
Mature portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, wearing the Queen Alexandra Kokoshnik tiara.
Printed in green and multicolour, with crisp intaglio detailing.
Clean, modern layout typical of New Zealand’s 1980s banknote design.
Reverse – Rifleman (Acanthisitta chloris)
Features the rifleman, one of New Zealand’s smallest endemic birds and a member of the ancient 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 multiple denominations.
Historical Context
By the mid‑1980s, New Zealand’s paper $2 note was approaching the end of its circulation life. Rising production costs and the durability of coins led to the introduction of the $2 coin in 1991, making the P‑170 series the final generation of $2 paper notes.
The P‑170b subtype sits between the earlier P‑170a and later P‑170c/d varieties, defined by its signature pairing and mid‑1980s print run. It remains one of the most accessible and recognisable notes from the era.
Why Collect the P‑170b Note?
Final‑Era Paper $2 Note: Part of the last paper series before the denomination was replaced by a coin.
Printed by Bradbury Wilkinson: A respected printer known for high‑quality engraving.
Strong Catalogue Identity: Clearly referenced as Pick 170b.
Attractive Artwork: Combines royal portraiture with a beautifully engraved native bird.
Affordable & Popular: Ideal for both new and advanced collectors.
