Description and research notes
The 1967 twenty-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 introduced in July 1967. This example bears the signature of Roderick Ninian Fleming, issued during the ND (1967–1968) period, whose tenure as Chief Cashier defined the earliest phase of decimalization and makes his signed notes among the first outputs of the new monetary system.
Printed by Thomas De La Rue & Company, London, the specimen was prepared for formal distribution to central banks and institutional collections. It displays the complete De La Rue presentation format: a bold red diagonal 'SPECIMEN' overprint, two oval De La Rue control stamps, and a single punch-hole cancellation. The note carries Serial AE000000 and is marked as Specimen No. 93, confirming its position within the controlled specimen allocation sequence produced for official use.
The design features Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, rendered in detailed intaglio engraving, with the Captain James Cook watermark embedded within the paper. The twenty-dollar denomination replaced the ten-pound note of the pre-decimal system, placing it among the higher-value instruments within the new decimal structure.
As a Fleming-signed specimen from the ND (1967–1968) issue, this note reflects both institutional transformation and production precision at the moment of currency reform. The combination of limited specimen distribution, short signature window, and complete cancellation format defines it as a representative example of Thomas De La Rue & Company specimen practices during the late 1960s.
Graded PMG 66 EPQ Gem Uncirculated, the note retains full originality, strong embossing, and vibrant color integrity. The sharp definition of the overprint, the clarity of both oval control stamps, and the intact punch cancellation together present a technically complete and visually balanced specimen of the inaugural decimal series.