Description and research notes
The 1968 five-dollar specimen belongs to the second signature phase of New Zealand’s decimal currency series and bears the signature of D.L. Wilks as Chief Cashier, issued during the 1968-1975 period following the initial decimal introduction of 1967. Wilks succeeded Roderick Ninian Fleming, marking the continuation and stabilization of decimal currency production beyond its inaugural phase.
Printed by Thomas De La Rue & Company, London, this specimen follows the established external presentation format used for institutional distribution. It displays a bold red diagonal 'SPECIMEN' overprint, accompanied by two De La Rue oval control stamps and a single punch-hole cancellation. The note carries Serial 050000000 and is marked as Specimen No. 001, confirming its placement within the controlled specimen allocation sequence prepared for official reference and distribution.
The design features Queen Elizabeth II in engraved portrait form, paired with the Captain James Cook watermark embedded within the paper. The five-dollar denomination replaced the two-pound note of the pre-decimal system, positioning it within the higher-value tier of early decimal circulation.
As a Wilks-signed specimen from the 1968-1975 issue, this note reflects the transition from initial decimal rollout to sustained production. The complete De La Rue specimen format—overprint, dual oval stamps, and punch cancellation—confirms its role as a formal presentation piece rather than an internally retained perforated specimen.
Graded PMG 64 Choice Uncirculated, the note retains strong paper integrity, clear ink definition, and balanced visual presentation. The sharp overprint, well-defined oval control stamps, and intact punch cancellation together present a technically complete example from the early Wilks specimen series.