Plunket Wairarapa is to share in a charity haul of about eight million five cent coins so far gathered in the ANZ Bank Fives for Under 5s appeal.
The appeal, which began in June last year turning silver to gold for Plunket through donations of the humble coin, is to run
until October 31 and at last count had raised almost $400,000 throughout the country, said ANZ spokesman Craig Howie.
He said the total raised is the equivalent of almost eight million five cent pieces and that about $50,000 had been donated in the Wellington and Wairarapa regions.
Mr Howie said the cash is to be spent at the discretion of Plunket organisations within the regions from which it was raised.
The five cent piece is now being phased out with replacement coins already released of higher denominations and smaller size and weight.
"There has been a phenomenal response to the appeal, which seems to have struck a cord with the public and our customers and staff as well."
He said the bank was aware of the increased value now being paid for five cent pieces minted in 2004, of which only 32,000 had been released into circulation, although the bank was unable to exchange the rarer coins for any more than their face value.
Last week one of the 2004 coins sold on the internet site Trade Me for $360 and another on Sunday for $225.
Collectors have estimated that a more realistic value for the coins would be about $150 each.
"I'm sure there are some bright and shiny 2004 coins among the donated funds but as a bank we are not able to realise the greater amount," Mr Howie said.
"We advise customers to keep their 2004 five cent pieces and seek the increased reward. We'll most gratefully take all the others."
