The low relief version of the was made at Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa instead of the Royal Australian Mint, Canberra. It is distinguishable from the high relief version because of the wiry hair and bushy eyebrow. Well that is assuming you have another 1985 to compare it to, which I do not have.
Can you see the wiry hair and bushy eyebrow? Neither can I so I had to assume the the very detailed hair meant it was wiry. The fact most of the design is also very flat and does not pop out like high relief coin is another clue.
The biggest clue however is that the high relief version was only issued in sets and the low relief was for circulation. Although my previous New Zealand finds have included proofs I am almost certain this one is not mint or proof.
As with most New Zealand coins this one has been recalled,
Here's the stats...
Type/Country: 10 Cents / New Zealand
Year: 1985 (Ottawa, recut die with low relief)
Mintage: 8,000,000
Metal: Copper-Nickel
Value: $0.25 in Very-Fine
*Let me make it clear the 10 cent coin is not demonetized but the copper-nickel version is not allowed to circulate officially and is meant to be substituted with the copper-plated steel at every transaction. Still the use of these small coins have decreased.
Do you have a coin from the New Zealand and want to know its value? Leave a comment/question and I will do my best to find out the price and history for you.
