Description and research notes
The 1967 two-dollar specimen forms part of the inaugural decimal currency series issued by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, marking the country’s transition from the sterling-based system to the modern dollar framework. This example carries the signature of Roderick Ninian Fleming, issued during the ND (1967–1968) period, whose tenure as Chief Cashier defined the opening phase of decimalization and makes his signed notes among the earliest outputs of the new monetary era.
Printed by Thomas De La Rue & Company, London, the specimen was produced for formal distribution to central banks and institutional archives. It displays the full presentation format typical of De La Rue’s external specimen issues: a bold red diagonal 'SPECIMEN' overprint, two oval De La Rue control stamps, and a single punch-hole cancellation. The note is further identified by Serial 0A000000 and marked as Specimen No. 72, indicating its controlled position within the specimen allocation sequence prepared for official use.
The design features Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, executed in intricate intaglio engraving, with the Captain James Cook watermark embedded within the paper substrate. The two-dollar denomination replaced the one-pound note in the pre-decimal system, occupying a key position within everyday and intermediate-value transactions in the new currency structure.
As a Fleming-signed specimen from the ND (1967–1968) issue, this note reflects both institutional transition and production precision at the moment of currency reform. The combination of controlled specimen release, short signature window, and complete cancellation format defines it as a technically representative example of Thomas De La Rue & Company specimen practices during the late 1960s.
Graded PMG 65 EPQ Gem Uncirculated, the note retains full paper originality, strong embossing, and vivid color integrity. The clarity of the overprint, the definition of both oval control stamps, and the intact punch cancellation contribute to a balanced and fully realized specimen presentation of the inaugural decimal series.