Is Your 1934 New Zealand Sixpence Real? How to Spot a Fake

Historical Significance

The 1934 New Zealand Sixpence (KM#2) stands as a numismatic milestone, marking New Zealand’s emergence as a distinct coinage entity separate from British currency. Struck during the reign of King George V, this coin showcases the crowned bust of the monarch on the obverse, while its reverse features a design that collectors admire for both its artistic merit and historical context. The 1934 issue, in particular, represents the early years of New Zealand’s unique coinage identity, making it a prized piece for historians and collectors alike.

Authentication Guide

With counterfeit coins flooding the market, authenticating this 1934 New Zealand Sixpence requires a keen eye and multiple testing methods. The prevalence of fakes makes careful examination essential to ensure both authenticity and accurate grading.

Weight and Metal Composition

Authentic 1934 New Zealand Sixpences were struck in 50% silver, weighing precisely 2.83 grams. This exact weight is crucial for authentication—counterfeit coins often fail this basic test, either being too light (indicating missing silver content) or too heavy (suggesting base metal cores with silver plating). A precise digital scale accurate to 0.01 grams is an essential tool for any serious collector.

Magnetic Properties Test

Since authentic 1934 Sixpences contain 50% silver, they should not be attracted to magnets. This simple test can quickly eliminate many modern counterfeits that use magnetic base metals. However, some sophisticated fakes use non-magnetic cores, so while this test serves as an excellent first-line screening tool, it shouldn’t be the only method used.

Die Markers and Design Details

Several specific die markers help authenticate genuine 1934 Sixpences:

• The King’s beard should display fine, crisp detail with natural flow lines consistent with proper striking pressure
• The crown on the obverse features specific pearl and cross details that counterfeiters often miss or simplify
• Reverse design elements, particularly the central shield and surrounding patterns, have distinctive sharpness and depth
• The rim should be evenly raised with consistent denticles around the entire circumference

Common Fakes and Their Characteristics

Several types of counterfeits target this valuable coin:

“The most common fakes are cast copies rather than struck reproductions. These typically show rounded details, lack of sharp edges, and often have small pits or porosity from the casting process.”

Modern struck counterfeits pose an even greater threat as they can closely mimic authentic pieces. These often use incorrect silver content or improper alloy compositions that affect both weight and appearance. Some sophisticated fakes even replicate the correct weight but fail on finer details like edge reeding consistency or surface texture.

Testing Methods

Beyond basic weight and magnetic tests, several advanced methods help authenticate these coins:

Visual Examination

Examine the coin under 10x magnification, looking for:

• Natural flow lines in the fields that indicate genuine striking
• Consistent luster across the surface without artificial toning patterns
• Proper die wear patterns consistent with 1934 production methods

Specific Gravity Test

This test confirms the silver content by measuring density. Authentic 50% silver coins should register between 8.5-9.0 g/cm³, while fakes often fall outside this range.

Professional Authentication

For high-value specimens, professional grading services like PCGS, NGC, or ANACS provide the most reliable authentication. These services employ multiple testing methods and expert examination to verify authenticity and assign accurate grades.

Grading Considerations

Based on the forum discussion, grading this coin presents several challenges. The coin shows “very slight rub on George’s beard,” which could indicate circulation wear. However, the overall preservation appears strong enough that some experts suggest it could grade as high as MS64 if not cleaned.

The discussion reveals important grading considerations:

• “Those pics are pretty washed out” – Photography quality significantly impacts online grading accuracy
• “Looks to be hammered (most of them are)” – This refers to the striking method, which affects grade potential
• “Slight striking weakness” – Common in this issue and should not be confused with wear

Market Value and Investment Considerations

The $250 price point mentioned in the discussion represents a significant investment for this coin. Whether this represents fair value depends entirely on the coin’s actual grade and authenticity. An authentic MS64 specimen could justify this price, while an AU or cleaned example would be significantly overpriced.

Key value factors include:

• Authenticity verification (most critical)
• Actual grade (eye appeal and technical grade)
• Surface preservation (original vs. cleaned)
• Market demand for this specific date and grade

Conclusion

The 1934 New Zealand Sixpence remains a challenging but rewarding coin for collectors. Its historical significance, relative scarcity in high grades, and the prevalence of counterfeits make authentication skills essential. Whether you’re considering a $250 investment or adding to an existing collection, thorough authentication using weight, magnetic, and visual tests provides the foundation for confident collecting.

Remember that professional authentication becomes increasingly important as values rise. The forum participants’ varied grading opinions ($63 tops to MS64) demonstrate how subjective grading can be, especially from photographs. When significant money is involved, the small cost of professional authentication provides invaluable peace of mind and protects your investment.

For serious collectors, developing authentication skills for this and similar coins represents not just a practical necessity but an engaging aspect of the hobby that deepens appreciation for numismatic artistry and history.

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