Description and research notes
The 1975 one hundred dollars perforated specimen represents the highest denomination of New Zealand’s decimal currency during the tenure of R.L. Knight as Chief Cashier, issued within the ND (1975–1977) period. Knight’s signature defines the third phase of the decimal era, following the Fleming and Wilks periods, and reflects a stage in which the currency system had reached structural maturity.
Printed by Thomas De La Rue & Company, London, this specimen belongs to the internal archival classification rather than the externally distributed overprint format. The note is invalidated exclusively by a perforated legend reading 'SPECIMEN OF NO VALUE' across the central design. This perforation forms the full wording through precision pinholes and serves as the sole cancellation method, with no ink overprint, no oval control stamp, and no punch-hole cancellation present.
This example carries Serial G000000000, a standardized specimen serial format used for internal reference and control purposes within the production system. The absence of additional specimen markings clearly separates this type from the TDLR overprint presentation issues of the same period.
The design follows the decimal series layout introduced in 1967, featuring Queen Elizabeth II in engraved portrait form on the obverse and the Captain James Cook watermark embedded within the paper. As the highest denomination, the one hundred dollars note functioned primarily within institutional and reserve contexts rather than everyday circulation.
As a perforated specimen from the ND (1975–1977) Knight issue, this note represents the internal documentation stage of production at Thomas De La Rue. Such pieces were typically retained for archival and verification purposes and were rarely released, contributing to their limited survival.
Graded PMG 64 Choice Uncirculated, the note retains strong originality, visible embossing, and clear design integrity. The perforated 'SPECIMEN OF NO VALUE' legend remains sharply defined and fully legible, defining the note as a technically distinct and historically important specimen type within the New Zealand decimal series.