How Pokémon And Other Fictional Characters Landed On The Niue Currency

It's amazing that the first country to offer state-funded WiFi (in 2003) is one with less than 2000 people. Here's another fact: it even has its own football team.

It's also a nation which you've probably never heard of: a coral island country in the South Pacific named Niue (which translates to 'behold the coconut').

Niue is a peculiar self-governing, tiny empyrean utopian state with roots stretching as far as 900 AD. It's a country with close ties to New Zealand and hence, uses its currency, the New Zealand dollar. However, a tiny country like Niue is free to be a little experimental.

Aside from NZD, there is the Niue island currency or Niue dollar, which consists of fictional characters ranging from Pokemon to Disney.

How it started

Niue began using the New Zealand dollar when it was first introduced in 1967. However, like many countries, Niue has a history of collector coins with commemorative designs and precious metal finishes.

Niue gold and Niue silver coins have an avid following. The New Zealand Mint contributes to this interest because of its reputation for producing advanced designs. In many cases, special coins can be used for regular circulation.

As a tiny nation, Niue has struggled with migration for decades. Many Niueans relocate to their neighbour New Zealand for better economic opportunities, given, of course, its larger size.

In 2001, the New Zealand Mint got quite creative in boosting tourism and global interest in Niue. Your average novelty coin typically commemorates a historical event or high-profile figure.

But nope, Niue boldly decided on a 'Pokemon currency,' thus kicking off a trend of future coins with unique fictional pop culture references. These have understandably become sought-after by collecting nerds, creating an untapped market for Niue's national income.

Niue receives royalties from the New Zealand Mint as part of a long-term multi-million deal. The face value of these coins is between NZ$1 and $2. However, sales from marketplaces like eBay show that people have paid up to $1000 for each.

For all you numismatists, let's look at a few of the cool commemorative coins on the Niue currency over the years.

2001: Pokemon Niue coins

The first fictional work that made its way on the Niue currency was, of course, Pokemon. These silver NZ$1 coins had the country's coat of arms on one side and the following characters on the reverse:

Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Meowth

Gold versions in even more limited editions came out a year later and definitely cost an arm and a leg nowadays.

2011: Star Wars Niue currency

In 2011, the New Zealand Mint issued $1 and $2 silver coins featuring Star Wars characters like Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Jabba the Hutt and Chewbacca. The other side of the coin had Queen Elizabeth II (Niue is part of the Commonwealth, after all).

At the time, New Zealand Mint said these were gift products you couldn't use 'to buy ice cream with.' Only 50 000 copies of this coin were produced during this time. Over the years, newer coins were released (as recently as 2022) with other characters like Darth Vader. Nowadays, these can sell for a few hundred dollars.

The New Zealand Mint also made gold Niue Star Wars coins for sale, which are much more expensive.

2013: Doctor Who Niue coins

In 2013, New Zealand mint and BBC Worldwide Australasia created the officially licensed collectable coin for one of the longest-running TV shows Doctor Who. This was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the series.

The New Zealand Mint launched 10 000 one-ounce NZ$1 and $2 silver coins with engraved pictures of 'TARDIS.' Later, other characters like the Cybermen, Nardoole and Missy were added. As with the Star Wars series, the reverse side for each release had Queen Elizabeth II.

Nowadays, expect to pay a few hundred dollars for the silver version and north of $3000 for the gold version.

2014: Disney Niue currency

Niue were certainly not 'taking the mickey' when they released coinage with some of Disney's most beloved characters. These include Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Minnie Mouse, with others added over time.

The CEO of New Zealand Mint, Simon Harding, said the first 1000-coin run of these sold out in seven minutes. As with the other releases, the Disney coins were initially made in silver. Gold coins came onto the market soon after. These are, of course, much rarer and have sold north of $1000.

Is 'Pokemon currency' legal tender?

The answer is yes and no. Niue money featuring fictional characters is deemed as 'NIFC' (Not Intended for Circulation). These coins were made for investors and collectors. However, nothing would stop you from using them in Niue to buy stuff (if you didn't know their true worth).

But who would want to do that when they are more valuable than what you see on the face? Tiny countries like Niue must be awesome when they can have a bit of fun with their money.