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Thursday, 13 April 2017

477) Currency & Coinage of the Kingdom of Tonga: - Paanga and Seniti i) About Tonga ii) Coinage of Tonga ii) Commemorative Coins issued iv) Reserve Bank of Tonga (or “Pangike Pule Fakafonua ‘o Tonga”) v) Banknotes of Tonga:



477) Currency & Coinage of the Kingdom of Tonga: - Paanga and Seniti i) About Tonga ii) Coinage of Tonga ii) Commemorative Coins issued iv) Reserve Bank of Tonga (or “Pangike Pule Fakafonua ‘o Tonga”) v) Banknotes of Tonga:


 About Tonga:

The Kingdom of Tonga is a Polynesian Sovereign State and Archipelago comprising 169 islands of which 36 are inhabited. In many Polynesian languages, including Tongan, the word “Tonga” means “South” as the Archipelago is the Southern-most group of the islands of Central Polynesia.

The capital of Tonga is Nuku’alofa.

The total land area of the Archipelago is about 750 sq. km (290 sq. miles) scattered over some 700,000 sq. km (270,000 sq miles) of the South Pacific Ocean.

It has a population of around 105,000 citizens (of which 97% are Tongan, 1% are Euronesians, 1% are Europeans and 1% are East Asians).

The Tongan language (a Polynesian language) is the official language along with English.

Tonga stretches across 800 km (or 500 miles) approx in a North-South line. It is surrounded by Fiji and Wallis et Futuna (French) to the North-west, Samoa to the North-east, Niue to the East, Kermadec (part of New Zealand) to the South-west and New Caledonia (French) and Vanuatu to the farther West.

Tonga is nicknamed the “Friendly Islands” because of the warm welcome accorded to Captain James Cook on his first visit in 1773, when he arrived at the time of the “Inasi” festival which involves an yearly offering of the “First Fruits” (“First Fruits” are a religious offering of the first agricultural produce of the harvest, in which the first fruits are given to priests or offered to God – which is a reminder to the people that the Chief King or God would provide for their every need) to the “Tui Tonga” (the Islands Chief King – The “Tu‘i Tonga” is a line of Tongan Kings, which originated in the 10th Century with the mythical “Aho’eiti” – who in Tongan mythology is believed to be a son of God born to a mortal woman. Today its descendants the “Tu‘i Kanokupolu” still form the chief line of Kalaniuvalu).

From 1900 to 1970, Tonga had the status of a British Protectorate, with the United Kingdom managing the foreign affairs of Tonga under a “Treaty of Friendship”, with Tonga maintaining its Sovereignty at all times.

In 1970, Tonga became a fully Independent Kingdom.

In 2010, Tonga became a Constitutional Monarchy rather than an absolute kingdom, after legislative reforms brought about the first representative elections leading to the setting up of a Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy.

The Currency and Coinage of Tonga:

The Pa‘anga is the currency of Tonga subdivided into 100 Seniti. There is a “super-unit” called “Hau” (1 Hau equals 100 Pa‘anga) which is used on commemorative coins of higher denominations and not in general circulation.

The Pa‘anga was introduced on 03.04.1967, replacing the British Pound at an exchange rate of 1 Pound to 2 Pa‘anga.

In 1967, circulating coins were introduced in the denominations of 1, 2 (both denominations in bronze), 5, 10, 20 and 50 Seniti (all four denominations in Cupro-Nickel) and 1 and 2 Pa‘anga (both denominations in Cupro-Nickel). The 50 Seniti and 1 and 2 Pa‘anga coins were minted in small numbers as Banknotes of these denominations were also issued.

The first series of coins showed Queen Salote Tupou III on the Obverse, two years after her passing away.

The Reverse designs were “Tu‘i Malila” (a radiant tortoise presented to the Tongan Royal Family by Captain Cook in 1777) on the 1 and 2 Seniti coins, wheat sheaves and a stylised depiction of the Constellation Crux on the 5 and 10 Seniti coins and the Royal Tongan Coat of arms on the higher denominations.

From 1968, the portrait of King Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV (King of Tonga from 1965-2006) appeared facing right, with the first year issue commemorating the coronation event.

In 1974, 50 Seniti coins (twelve-sided or dodecagonal in shape) were introduced, but 50 Seniti Banknotes continued to be issued till 1983.

Also in the same year 1 Seniti coins were minted in brass instead of bronze, but in 1975, their metallic composition reverted to the original alloy.

In 1975, a second series of coins was circulated themed around FAO and food production on the Reverse and depicted a new portrait style effigy of the King. Since this year, all coins have depicted the name of the issuing country “Tonga” on the Obverse and “Fakalahi me‘akai” (which in Tongan stands for “Grow more food”), while the denomination of the coin is mentioned on the Reverse.

All 1975-2011 coins are FAO themed and the King is shown in military uniform in portrait format rather than profile.

In 1978, the 1 Pa‘anga coins were redesigned with an innovative and unique rectangular shape, while the 2 Pa‘anga coins remained round in shape and were one of the largest circulating coins in the world at that time.

The Reverses of both these denominations were changed annually to commemorate/reflect a different FAO (Food & Agricultural Organisation) goal/theme. However, their awkward shapes and sizes led users to prefer the use of Banknotes of these denominations instead of the coins. Ultimately, although both denominations of coins are still legal tender, they are seldom used in circulation and have become collector’s items.

In 1981, a third series of coins with similar themes as the second series of coins was issued.

In 2002, Nickel plated steel coins denominated in 10, 20 and 50 Seniti were introduced.

In 2005, Nickel-plated steel 5 Seniti coins were circulated.

In 2011, 20 and 50 Seniti coins featuring the effigy of Tupou IV (posthumously he had passed away in 2006) were issued because George Tupou V’s health was failing which led to his passing away in March 2012.

For some time, higher denomination coins of the 1967-68 series were reintroduced “countermarked” with commemoration stamps that were added to the coins after they were struck. The most distinctive of these was the “Oil Search series” which was gold plated or “gilt”. Most of these coins were sold to collectors.

Presently circulating coins are in the denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Seniti. 1 and 2 Seniti coins have fallen into disuse because of their negligible value.  Transactions are mostly carried out to the nearest 5 or 10 Seniti.

In 2015, as part of a coinage reform, new coins minted by the Royal Australian Mint have been circulated.

More about Tongan Coinage:

The 1975-1979 issues (Second Series):

On the Obverse of the 1 Seniti Coin is depicted Maize.

On the Reverse of the 1 Seniti Coin is depicted a Pig.

The Specifications of this coin are: Diameter: 18.0 mm; Metal Composition: Bronze.

On the Obverse of the 2 Seniti Coin is depicted Marrows (“Cucurbita” a genus of herbaceous vines known as ‘cucurbits’)

On the Reverse of the 2 Seniti Coin is inscribed “Planned Families Food For All,” with six persons holding hands.

The Specifications of this coin are: Diameter: 21.0 mm; Metal Composition: Bronze.

On the Obverse of the 5 Seniti Coin is depicted a Hen with chicks.

On the Reverse of the 5 Seniti Coin is depicted a bunch of bananas on a tree.

The Specifications of this coin are: Diameter: 19.0 mm; Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel.

On the Obverse of the 10 Seniti Coin is depicted a portrait of the King.

On the Reverse of the 10 Seniti Coin is depicted Grazing cattle.

The Specifications of this coin are: Diameter: 24.0 mm; Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel.

On the Obverse of the 20 Seniti Coin is depicted a portrait of the King.

On the Reverse of the 20 Seniti Coin are depicted Bees and a hive.

The Specifications of this coin are: Diameter: 29.0 mm; Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel.

On the Obverse of the 50 Seniti Coin is depicted a portrait of the King.

On the Reverse of the 50 Seniti Coin are depicted Fishes around a vortex.

The Specifications of this coin are: Diameter: 32.0-33.0 mm; Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel.

The 1981-2011 issues (Third Series):

 A random selection of coins from Tonga from 1981 onwards from my collection showing the Obverses of - 1 Seniti (2005), 5 Seniti (2005), 10 Seniti (1981), 20 Seniti (2011) and 50 Seniti (2011) showing from left to right Maize, a hen with chicks and the portrait of the King of Tonga 


 The Reverses of the above set of coins showing - 1 Seniti (Vanilla vine), 5 Seniti (coconuts), 10 Seniti (Bunch of Bananas on a tree), 20 Seniti (Yams) and 50 Seniti (Tomatoes) - all food produce in furtherance of the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UNO) programmes for growing more food. The inscription on the upper periphery of all the coins reads - Fakalahi me‘akai” (which in Tongan stands for “Grow more food”)


On the Obverse of the 1 Seniti Coin is depicted Maize.


On the Reverse of the 1 Seniti Coin is depicted a Vanilla vine.

The Specifications of this coin are: Diameter: 18.0 mm; Metal Composition: Bronze.

On the Obverse of the 2 Seniti Coin is depicted Taro.

On the Reverse of the 2 Seniti Coin is inscribed “Planned Families Food For All,” with six persons holding hands.

The Specifications of this coin are: Diameter: 21.0 mm; Metal Composition: Bronze.


On the Obverse of the 5 Seniti Coin is depicted a Hen with four chicks.


On the Reverse of the 5 Seniti Coin are depicted three Coconuts.

The Specifications of this coin are: Diameter: 19.0 mm; Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel.


On the Obverse of the 10 Seniti Coin is depicted a portrait of the King.

On the Reverse of the 10 Seniti Coin is depicted a bunch of Bananas on a tree.

The Specifications of this coin are: Diameter: 24.0 mm; Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel.


On the Obverse of the 20 Seniti Coin is depicted a portrait of the King.

On the Reverse of the 20 Seniti Coin are depicted Yams.

The Specifications of this coin are: Diameter: 29.0 mm; Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel.


On the Obverse of the 50 Seniti Coin is depicted a portrait of the King.

On the Reverse of the 50 Seniti Coin are depicted three Tomatoes on their plant.

The Specifications of this coin are: Diameter: 32.0-33.0 mm; Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel Shape: 12 sided.

The 2015 – onwards issues (Fourth Series):

On the Obverse of the 5 Seniti Coin is depicted a portrait of King Tupou VI.

On the Reverse of the 5 Seniti Coin is depicted Heilala flower.

The metallic composition of this coin is Nickel-plated steel.

On the Obverse of the 10 Seniti Coin is depicted a portrait of King Tupou VI.

On the Reverse of the 10 Seniti Coin is depicted the Malau bird.

The metallic composition of this coin is Nickel-plated steel.

On the Obverse of the 20 Seniti Coin is depicted a portrait of King Tupou VI.

On the Reverse of the 20 Seniti Coin is depicted a Kalia canoe.

The metallic composition of this coin is Nickel-plated steel.

On the Obverse of the 50 Seniti Coin is depicted a portrait of King Tupou VI.

On the Reverse of the 50 Seniti Coin is depicted a Milolua dance.

The metallic composition of this coin is Nickel-plated steel.

On the Obverse of the 1 Pa‘anga Coin is depicted a portrait of King Siaosi (George) Tupou V.

On the Reverse of the 1 Pa‘anga Coin is depicted the Coat of Arms of Tonga.

The metallic composition of this coin is Aluminium Bronze.

Commemorative Coins:

Several commemorative coins have been issued by the Reserve Bank of Tonga,  the most popular ones being –Food & Agriculture Organisation – World Food Day (set of two Silver coins depicting i) World Food day and ii) a Traditional Fishing Boat-1981) Millennium 2000 Silver Coin (1999),  70th Birthday of Queen Halaevalu Mata‘aho (1996), 75th Birthday of King Taufa‘ahau Topou IV (1993), 80th Birthday of King Taufa‘ahau Topou IV (1998), 85th Birthday of King Taufa‘ahau Topou IV (2003), Olympic Games, London (one Gold coin and two Silver coins depicting a Runner –  2010), Railways depicting a DB Class V 200.0 locomotive (2010), Ships & Explorers – History of Sea-faring – Thor Heyerdahl –  Silver coin (2010), Ha‘amonga Trilithon ‘a Maui (2011), Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II Silver Coin depicting the Buckingham Palace (2012), 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Silver coin depicting a Football player (2014), Heilala Festival Gold coin (2013), Olympic Games RIO, Brazil Silver coin depicting Boxing (2015).
 FAO (Food & Agriculture Organisation) issues (1981) – World Food Day (set of two Silver coins depicting i) World Food day and ii) a Traditional Fishing Boat
        Obverse of the Commemorative coin on Railways (2010)
 Reverse of the Commemorative 1 Pa'anga coin on Railways depicting a DB Class V 200.0 locomotive (2010). The inscription on the upper periphery reads "FIRST DIESEL-HYDRAULIC EXPRESS LOCOMOTIVE"

     Obverse of the Commemorative coin on "Ships & Explorers – History of Sea-faring – Thor Heyerdahl" –  Silver coin (2010) 
 Reverse of the Commemorative coin on "Ships & Explorers – History of Sea-faring – Thor Heyerdahl - 1930" –  Silver coin (2010)
Obverse of the Commemorative Coin on Brazil - RIO Olympics(2016) issued by the Reserve Bank of Tonga in 2015
Reverse of the above coin showing the sport of Boxing. It is inscribed on the upper periphery "Olympic Games 2016". On the lower periphery is the denomination of the coin - 5 Pa'anga"
 Obverse of the Commemorative Gold Coin depicting the Heilala Festival  (2013)
 Reverse of the Commemorative 10 Pa'anga Gold Coin depicting the "Heilala Festival"  (2013)

The Reserve Bank of Tonga (or “Pangike Pule Fakafonua ‘o Tonga”):

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NBRT) is the Central Bank of Tonga, which was established on 01.07.1989. The NBRT is responsible for regulating the issue and supply of domestic and international currency, as well as, promoting Tonga’s monetary stability and economic development.

Its main focus and vision is “to be an effective and dynamic Central Bank in promoting Tonga’s economic prosperity”.

The Coat of Arms of Tonga (ko e Sila ‘o Tonga):


                                      The Coat of Arms of Tonga
Armiger: Tupou VI, King of Tonga

Adopted: The Coat of Arms of Tonga (ko e Sila ‘o Tonga) was adopted in 1875 with the creation of the Constitution. Tonga was finally united under one King – King Siaosi Tupou I who brought about the formation of the first formal government and the Coat of Arms.

Crest: The Royal Crown of Tonga within an Olive wreath. The Crown on top of the Coat of Arms symbolises that the Arms have been issued under authority of the King of Tonga.

Escutcheon: Quarterly; first, Or, three mullets of six points argent, second, Gules, the Royal Crown of Tonga proper, third, Azure a dove Volant argent holding an olive branch vert, fourth Or, three swords in fret argent charged with a cross couped Gules.

Explanation: The three six-pointed silver Stars on a golden backdrop in the first quadrant of the Coat of Arms symbolise the main Island Groups of Tonga – Tongatapu, Vava’u and Ha’apai.

The Crown placed on a red background in the second quadrant of the Coat of Arms symbolises the ruling monarch – the King of Tonga.

A Dove in silver colour with the Olive Branch against a blue background in the third quadrant of the Coat of Arms symbolises God’s will for peace to reign in Tonga forever.

The three silver coloured swords against a golden background in the fourth quadrant of the Coat of Arms represent the three dynasties or lines of the Kings of Tonga – the Tu‘i Tonga, Tu‘i Ha‘atakalaua and the present Tu‘i Kanokupolu”.

Red Cross: In the centre is a six pointed star within which is a red cross, the symbol of peace reigning over all of the Tongan Archipelago.

Supporters: Two Flags of Tonga, Dexter and Sinister.

Motto: On the scrolled ribbon at the bottom of the Coat of Arms is the motto in the Tongan language: “Ko e ‘Otua mo Tonga ko hoku Tofi‘a” (meaning “God and Tonga are my inheritance”).

Banknotes of Tonga:

In 1967, the first Series of Banknotes bearing the portrait of Queen Salote Tupou III were issued by the Tongan Government in the denominations of ½, 1, 2, 5 and 10 Pa‘anga.

From 1974, the portrait of King Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV (King of Tonga from 1965 to 2006) was printed on the Banknotes.

Until 1983, the Banknotes of ½ Pa‘anga were issued.

In 1985, 20 Pa‘anga Banknotes were introduced.

In 1992, the National Reserve Bank of Tonga, which was established on 01.07.1989, took over the functions of printing of Tongan Banknotes.

From 1982 to 2009, a second Banknote Series was introduced featuring a portrait of King Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV. This Series consisted of the following denominations – ½ Pa‘anga (1982), 1 Pa‘anga (1995), 2 Pa‘anga (1992-1995), 5 Pa‘anga (1995), 10 Pa‘anga (1995), 20 Pa‘anga (2009), 50 Pa‘anga (2009)

On 30.07.2008, a third Banknote Series with greater security features was introduced featuring King George Tupou V, King of Tonga (2006-2012) and a redesigned look. In this issue, a 100 Pa’anga Banknote was brought out for the first time. The other denominations in this Series were: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100.

The Backs of the recent Tongan Banknotes shows a text in the Tongan language and typical motifs and landmarks of Tonga.



        The Front of a 1 Pa‘anga Banknote depicting George Tupou V

On the Front of the 1 Pa‘anga Banknote (2009) is seen George Tupou V, alongwith the name of the issuing country “KINGDOM OF TONGA”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in Tongan “PA‘ANGA ‘E TAHA” (meaning “One Pa‘anga”).



The Back of a 1 Pa‘anga Banknote depicting a Humpback Whale

On the Back of the 1 Pa‘anga Banknote (2009) is seen a Humpback Whale. The name of the issuing authority “NATIONAL RESERVE BANK OF TONGA” is given on the upper periphery & the denomination in Tongan on the lower left.

On the Front of the 2 Pa‘anga Banknote (2009) is seen George Tupou V, alongwith the name of the issuing country “KINGDOM OF TONGA”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in Tongan “PA‘ANGA ‘E UA” (meaning “Two Pa‘anga”).

On the Back of the 2 Pa‘anga Banknote (2009) is seen symbols of Education & Rugby Sport. The name of the issuing authority “NATIONAL RESERVE BANK OF TONGA” is given on the upper periphery & the denomination in Tongan on the lower left.

On the Front of the 5 Pa‘anga Banknote (2009) is seen George Tupou V, alongwith the name of the issuing country “KINGDOM OF TONGA”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in Tongan “PA‘ANGA ‘E NIMA” (meaning “Five Pa‘anga”).

On the Back of the 5 Pa‘anga Banknote (2009) is seen Langi, a large ceremonial burial mound/tomb. The name of the issuing authority “NATIONAL RESERVE BANK OF TONGA” is given on the upper periphery & the denomination in Tongan on the lower left.

The Langi tombs are the special burial places for former Kings of Tonga. Their tombs have a similar design as the tombs of the commoners, but are far bigger.

On the Front of the 10 Pa‘anga Banknote (2009) is seen George Tupou V, alongwith the name of the issuing country “KINGDOM OF TONGA”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in Tongan “PA‘ANGA ‘E HONGOFULU” (meaning “Ten Pa‘anga”).

On the Back of the 10 Pa‘anga Banknote (2009) is seen a large Royal tomb. The name of the issuing authority “NATIONAL RESERVE BANK OF TONGA” is given on the upper periphery & the denomination in Tongan on the lower left.

On the Front of the 20 Pa‘anga Banknote (2009) is seen George Tupou V, alongwith the name of the issuing country “KINGDOM OF TONGA”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in Tongan “PA‘ANGA ‘E Uo FULU” (meaning “Twenty Pa‘anga”).

On the Back of the 20 Pa‘anga Banknote (2009) is seen the National Bank of Tonga Building in Nuku’alofa. The name of the issuing authority “NATIONAL RESERVE BANK OF TONGA” is given on the upper periphery & the denomination in Tongan.

On the Front of the 50 Pa‘anga Banknote (2009) is seen George Tupou V, alongwith the name of the issuing country “KINGDOM OF TONGA”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in Tongan “PA‘ANGA ‘NIMANGOFULU” (meaning “Fifty Pa‘anga”).

On the Back of the 50 Pa‘anga Banknote (2009) is seen the Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa. The name of the issuing authority “NATIONAL RESERVE BANK OF TONGA” is given on the upper periphery & the denomination in Tongan on the lower left.

On the Front of the 100 Pa‘anga Banknote (2009) is seen George Tupou V, alongwith the name of the issuing country “KINGDOM OF TONGA”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in Tongan “PA‘ANGA ‘E TEAU” (meaning “Fifty Pa‘anga”). This is a hybrid Polymer Banknote.

On the Back of the 100 Pa‘anga Banknote (2009) is seen Vava’U harbour. The name of the issuing authority “NATIONAL RESERVE BANK OF TONGA” is given on the upper periphery & the denomination in Tongan on the lower left.

On 29.06.2015, the National Bank of Tonga issued a third Series of Pa‘anga Banknotes in six denominations from 2 to 100 Pa‘anga featuring on the Front King Tupou VI, the present ruler of Tonga alongwith the name of the issuing country “KINGDOM OF TONGA” 

On the Front of the 2 Pa‘anga Banknote (2015) is seen Aho‘eitu Tupou VI, the present ruler of Tonga alongwith the name of the issuing country “KINGDOM OF TONGA”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in Tongan “PA‘ANGA ‘E UA” (meaning “Two Pa‘anga”).

On the Back of the 2 Pa‘anga Banknote (2015) is seen a Humpback Whale. The name of the issuing authority “NATIONAL RESERVE BANK OF TONGA” is given on the upper periphery & the denomination in Tongan.

On the Front of the 5 Pa‘anga Banknote (2015) is seen Aho‘eitu Tupou VI, the present ruler of Tonga alongwith the name of the issuing country “KINGDOM OF TONGA”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in Tongan “PA‘ANGA ‘E NIMA” (meaning “Five Pa‘anga”).

On the Back of the 5 Pa‘anga Banknote (2015) is seen Langi, a large ceremonial burial mound/tomb. The name of the issuing authority “NATIONAL RESERVE BANK OF TONGA” is given on the upper periphery & the denomination in Tongan.

On the Front of the 10 Pa‘anga Banknote (2015) is seen Aho‘eitu Tupou VI, the present ruler of Tonga alongwith the name of the issuing country “KINGDOM OF TONGA”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in Tongan “PA‘ANGA ‘E HONGOFULU” (meaning “Ten Pa‘anga”).

On the Back of the 10 Pa‘anga Banknote (2015) is seen a large Royal tomb. The name of the issuing authority “NATIONAL RESERVE BANK OF TONGA” is given on the upper periphery & the denomination in Tongan.

On the Front of the 20 Pa‘anga Banknote (2015) is seen Aho‘eitu Tupou VI, the present ruler of Tonga alongwith the name of the issuing country “KINGDOM OF TONGA”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in Tongan “PA‘ANGA ‘E Uo FULU” (meaning “Twenty Pa‘anga”).

On the Back of the 20 Pa‘anga Banknote (2015) is seen the National Bank of Tonga Building in Nuku’alofa. The name of the issuing authority “NATIONAL RESERVE BANK OF TONGA” is given on the upper periphery & the denomination in Tongan.

On the Front of the 50 Pa‘anga Banknote (2015) is seen Aho‘eitu Tupou VI, the present ruler of Tonga alongwith the name of the issuing country “KINGDOM OF TONGA”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in Tongan “PA‘ANGA ‘NIMANGOFULU” (meaning “Fifty Pa‘anga”). This is a hybrid Polymer Banknote.

On the Back of the 50 Pa‘anga Banknote (2015) is seen the Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa. The name of the issuing authority “NATIONAL RESERVE BANK OF TONGA” is given on the upper periphery & the denomination in Tongan.

On the Front of the 100 Pa‘anga Banknote (2015) is seen Aho‘eitu Tupou VI, the present ruler of Tonga alongwith the name of the issuing country “KINGDOM OF TONGA”. The denomination of the Banknote is mentioned in Tongan “PA‘ANGA ‘E TEAU” (meaning “Fifty Pa‘anga”). This is a hybrid Polymer Banknote.

On the Back of the 100 Pa‘anga Banknote (2015) is seen Vava’U harbour. The name of the issuing authority “NATIONAL RESERVE BANK OF TONGA” is given on the upper periphery & the denomination in Tongan.



(The 1 Pa'anga Banknote is from the collection of Jayant Biswas who has also brought the Tongan circulation coins for my collection from one of his travels abroad to the USA)


 
Links to Posts on Australia, New Zealand and countries and Overseas Territories of the South Pacific on this blog:

1) Bank of Papua New Guinea: 36th Anniversary Celebrations (1973-2008): A Commemorative Uncirulated Coin Set consisting of a 2 Kina Banknote & a 2 Kina Coin

2) Papua New Guinea: An uncirculated coin set brought out in 1995 commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Independence 

 3) Currency & Coinage of the Soloman Islands: Dollars and Cents

4) New Zealand: New Banknote "Seventh Series" issued under Project "Brighter Money" from 2015 onwards

5) Coinage of the French Polynesian Island of Caledonia (or Nouvelle Caledonie) the CFP Franc  

6) French Institution for issuing uniform currency/coinage for French Overseas Territories in the Pacific and the French Southern Territories of Antarctica: The Institut d'emmission d'outre Mer (IEOM)

7) Currency & Coinage of Samoa: Tala and Sene 

8) Currency of the South Pacific Island Country of Fiji 

9) Coinage of New Zealand: A commemorative coin set issued in 1979 

10) Currency and Coinage of Australia: Dollars and Cents 

11) The Australian Emblem or the Coat of Arms 

12) The story of the Australian Penny 

13) The Legend of the Mutiny on the Bounty: A Commemorative Coin Set from the Pitcairn Islands depicting relics from the Bounty issued in 2009 

14) An Australian $5 coin issued in 1996, commemorating Australia's greatest cricketing legend - Sir Donald Bradman 

15) New Series/Generation of Australian Banknotes being introduced from 01.09.2016 onwards starting from $5 issues 

16) Southern Lights: A $1 Silver holographic coin issued by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand in January 2017

17) Currency & coinage of the Kingdom of Tonga : Pa'anga & Seniti 

Links to interesting posts on coins from Tuvalu Islands

1)Famous Pirates of the Caribbean :2) Edward Teach or "BlackBeard"

2)Famous Pirates of the Caribbean: 3)Bartholomew Roberts or Black Bart Roberts 
  
 3)Famous Pirates of the Caribbean:4)Jack Rackham 

4)Famous-pirates-of- the Caribbean : 5) Henry Avery 

5)Famous Pirates of the Caribbean : 6) Sir Henry Morgan

6)Norse Goddess Freya - a Silver 2 Dollars High Relief antiquated Coin , the first in the Series titled "Norse Goddesses" (2017) 

Other interesting links to posts from Cook Islands minted by Coin Invest Trust:

1) Brexit : Britain's exit from the EEC : Coins issued by the Cook islands in the denomination of $1, $5 and $ 20 in 2016 

2) 150th Anniversary of "The Great Tea Race - 1866": Commemorative Coins in the denomination of 10 and 2 Dollars issued by Cook Islands in 2016

3) The Mystical Ancient Egyptian Labyrinth depicted on $10 Silver coins issued by Cook islands in 2016, under its "Milestones of Mankind Series".

4) King Arthur: The first coin in the six coins "Camelot Series".

5) Quilling Art: Silver 2 Dollars coins issued - Flowers (2016) & Bird (2017)

Links to posts on issues from the Republic of Palau:
5) Republic of Palau issues "Sand Dollars": Silver & Gold 1$ coins



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