Coins add touch of gold to cup action

By KATHERINE HOBY

Coin collectors with a yachting bent will soon have something new to spend their money on.

A solid gold commemorative America's Cup coin soon will be available in exchange for a pile of its lesser cousins.

The coins are being issued on behalf of the Reserve Bank. Just 900 of the solid gold $10 coins are being minted and they will sell for $875 each.

New Zealand Post is marking the America's Cup by selling the coins. They will go on sale on October 2, the day after the Louis Vuitton Challenger Series starts.

For those on a tighter budget 5000 gold-plated versions costing $69 each are also being made.

Also available will be $5 silver coins that are slightly larger and cost between $29 and $89, depending on their packaging and finish.

The gold coins feature the America's Cup and New Zealand and the silver ones a yacht-racing scene.

NZ Post stamps general manager Ivor Masters said the coins were expected to appeal to collectors, boating enthusiasts and supporters of the event.

Three commemorative stamps - $1.30, $1.50, and $2 - showing Team New Zealand's Black Magic racing against Luna Rossa during the last event will also be issued.

"New Zealand came alive in 2000 when it hosted the last America's Cup, and we are delighted to be recognising the 2003 defence," Mr Masters said.

The stamps will be issued in January when the defence of the cup starts.

NZ Post Stamps Centre


nzherald.co.nz/americascup