1989 New Zealand 2 Dollar Banknote – P‑170c
A Final‑Era Paper $2 Note Featuring Queen Elizabeth II & the Rifleman The 1989 New Zealand 2 Dollar banknote (Pick 170c) is part of the Fourth Series of New Zealand’s decimal currency, issued from 1989 to 1992. According to RealBanknotes, this subtype features purple on a multicolour underprint, the mature portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, and the rifleman bird on the reverse. It also carries the late‑series signature combination that defines the “c” subtype.
Printed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., the P‑170c is one of the last paper $2 notes ever issued before the denomination was replaced by a coin in 1991–1992. This makes it a historically significant and highly collectible modern New Zealand banknote.
Key Features & Catalogue Details
Country: New Zealand
Issuer: Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Denomination: 2 Dollars
Years of Issue: ND 1989–1992
Pick Number: P‑170c
Printer: Bradbury Wilkinson & Co.
Material: Paper, intaglio + multicolour lithographic underprint
Dimensions: Approx. 145 × 73 mm
Watermark: Captain James Cook
Signature Variety: Late‑series signatures defining the “c” 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 purple and multicolour, with crisp intaglio detailing.
Clean, modern layout typical of late‑1980s New Zealand banknote design.
Reverse – Rifleman (Acanthisitta chloris)
Features the rifleman, one of New Zealand’s smallest and most ancient endemic birds.
Surrounded by native flora, reinforcing the natural‑heritage theme of the series.
Confirmed in RealBanknotes’ description of the P‑170c reverse.
Watermark
Captain James Cook, visible when held to the light — a long‑standing watermark used across multiple denominations.
Historical Context
The P‑170c issue represents the final printing phase of New Zealand’s paper $2 notes. By 1991–1992, the denomination was replaced by a coin, making the P‑170c one of the last circulating paper examples.
This subtype sits after the P‑170a and P‑170b varieties and is distinguished by its late‑series signatures and 1989–1992 date range. It is widely collected as a final‑era type note.
Why Collect the P‑170c Note?
Final‑Era Paper $2 Note: Among the last paper issues before the denomination was discontinued.
Strong Catalogue Identity: Clearly referenced as Pick 170c.
Attractive Artwork: Combines royal portraiture with a beautifully engraved native bird.
Affordable & Popular: Ideal for both new and advanced collectors.
Consistent Market Demand: Regularly traded across global numismatic platforms.
