New Zealand Mint Issues Gold Anniversary Coin

A limited-edition gold coin marking the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who is being issued by New Zealand Mint, it was announced today.

A total of 250 of the 1 Troy ounce coins are being struck. They are being issued in collaboration with BBC Worldwide Australia & New Zealand as legal tender under the authority of Niue Island. Each has a nominal value of NZ$200 but will actually cost NZ$3,050 (approximately £1,570.14, AUS$2,672.41, €1,870.57, or US$2,502.83, but please note that conversion rates are liable to change), excluding duties and taxes.

The coins are 99.99 per cent pure gold, have a proof finish, and are 32.6mm in diameter. The reverse features an engraved relief of the TARDIS while the obverse has the Ian Rank-Broadley depiction of the Queen, with the border bearing the engraved words DOCTOR WHO 50TH ANNIVERSARY 1963 – 2013. They are being packaged in a wooden coin case with elevating coin insert for display purposes, and will be supplied with a gold-foiled certificate of authenticity.

It follows the issue of the 1oz silver coin earlier this year, which New Zealand Mint chief executive Simon Harding said had sparked "significant" international response. He added: Rachael Hammond, senior licensing executive at BBC Worldwide Australia & New Zealand, said: Next month, New Zealand Mint will be issuing half-ounce silver coins honouring each of the 11 Doctors.