July 25, 2013 – A silver one-ounce coin has been struck by New Zealand Mint to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary sci-fi television series Doctor Who. Produced in collaboration with BBC Worldwide Australia and New Zealand, the .999 silver coin features an engraved picture of the iconic TARDIS as well as a unique 50th Anniversary logo.
New Zealand / $ 2.00 / silver .999 / I oz / 40.1mm / Mintage 10,000.
The coin comes packaged in a 3D model replica of the TARDIS, the good doctor’s legendary phone box-shaped time machine. The doors of the TARDIS open to a ‘vwarp vwarp’ sound to display the stunning collectable coin and a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. The coins are legal tender for $2 in the South Pacific Island nation Niue, making them an ideal item for Doctor Who fans around the world.
“There are not many television shows which can boast a 50 year tradition and I think Doctor Who fans are really going to enjoy the design and packaging we’ve produced for this coin,” NZ Mint chief executive Simon Harding says. Adds Rachael Hammond, BBC Worldwide ANZ’s Senior Licensing Executive, Consumer Products: ‘The Doctor Who coin is the perfect memento for fans who want to remember this remarkable year in the show’s history forever.’
Doctor Who first aired on the BBC in 1963 and originally ran for 26 series, until 1989. The show was revived in 2005 and has continued to captivate a broad audience, from young children and families to nostalgic viewers and sci-fi fanatics. Each of the 11 actors playing the doctor has put a unique stamp on the role and the many and varied companions, monsters and adversaries have all added to the show’s enduring appeal. Doctor Who celebrates its 50th anniversary on 23 November this year.
Only 10,000 of the coins will be issued for sale worldwide. For more information visit the New Zealand Mint website.
For a look at the official BBC Doctor Who website, please click here.