Written,
researched and compiled by Scott de Young, this book is a
fitting conclusion to the era of paper money in New Zealand.
There
are currently very few works that address the paper currency
of New Zealand, and there are certainly none that cover the
period of decimal currency, in the form of paper banknotes,
with such depth and authority as this new book. Comprising
over 120 pages, each banknote discussed in the book is pictured
in a detailed black and white image at 80% of its actual size.
Particular specifications of each note are clearly set out,
as are the details pertinent to each variety of note. Specimen
signatures, numbers of notes issued, full charts of serial
number prefixes, descriptions of specimen notes and details
of replacement notes accompany the description of each variety.
Dedicated collectors of New Zealand banknotes will be astonished
at the amount of data described for each issue. Collectors
will learn of common mistakes in serial numbers, of changes
in paper weight, of notes printed but not issued, and many
more obscure facts concerning the notes.
As
well as the background to each series of notes issued between
1967 and 2000 being succinctly described, particular attention
is given to special issues, both official and unofficial,
made during the period under study. Collector notes are described
in detail, giving the dates of issue, the number issued, and
the range of serial numbers used for each of the special issues.
Also included are descriptions of all the people, plants and
birds illustrated on the notes, as well as summaries of the
notes issued and a description of the fluorescent security
features found on the notes.
With
New Zealand now issuing polymer banknotes, it is an appropriate
time to reflect on the decimal banknotes issued in the form
of paper currency over the past thirty-three years. It is
also fitting that the work which so comprehensively describes
the decimal paper currency of New Zealand should be completed
by one of the foremost authorities on New Zealand banknotes.
Scott de Young has been collecting statistics, facts and anecdotes
on the currency of his native country for many years. His
invaluable knowledge of the currency is readily acknowledged
by other experts in the field and now his knowledge is recorded
for all to share.
The
Decimal Banknotes of New Zealand 1967 - 2000 (The Paper Issues)
is a volume which no collector of New Zealand banknotes can
be without. It is the standard work for all future reference. |