New Zealand Elizabeth II Sixpence Coin

This is a circular metallic coin from New Zealand, minted during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The obverse side features the right-facing young head portrait of Her Majesty known as the first effigy, where she wears a laurel wreath. The inscriptions 'ELIZABETH II' and 'NEW ZEALAND' encircle the bust along the rim. Based on the material appearance and the effigy type, the coin is likely composed of cupro-nickel, which succeeded silver for this denomination. The date at the bottom is partially obscured but appears to be from the mid-20th century, typically between 1953 and 1965 before decimalization. The coin exhibits significant circulation wear, showing a dull grey patina, flattening of high points in the portrait's hair and crown, and numerous surface scratches and pitting. The edge is likely reeded, though not fully visible from this angle. The strike quality is standard for mass-produced currency of the British Commonwealth. It serves as a historical artifact of New Zealand's pre-decimal monetary system and the early Elizabethan era.