Royal Australian Mint helps Tonga, Vanuatu, and the Cook Islands produce new coins in historic move
The Royal Australian Mint makes history with new coins being produced for three South Pacific island nations.
The 16 new coins for the Cook Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu were minted in Canberra as part of a coin reform for the three nations.
The new additions will bring each country's coins in line with international trends and will mean lower production costs.
Dignitaries from the three nations took turns striking the coins at a ceremony today, including Tongan Princess Angelika Tuku'aho whose father will feature on her county's coins.
"I'm very proud and honoured to be able to strike the coins today," she said.
"This is also in celebration of His Majesty's coronation that is coming up in July."
Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer Kelly O'Dwyer said minting the coins showed Australia's solidarity with its Pacific neighbours.
"It is an expression of how Australia is working with our South Pacific nation countries to strengthen our relationship," she said.
"There is no better expression than being able to mint brand new coins."
The Mint has been marketing its services in coin reform to the South Pacific since 2011.
It has worked with each country to help produce smaller, lighter coins that include culturally significant engravings.
"These designs have taken a lot of effort and a lot of work over many years," Ms O'Dwyer said.
"I understand some of these designs have taken about four years to get them to this point that we have here today."
One of the more unique coins designed was a triangular-shaped coin for the Cook Islands.
"There are only two triangular coins in the world and today the Cook Islands have got a triangular coin," Ms O'Dwyer said.
"It is second only to the Bermuda coin."
Among the collection, five coins have been designed for Tonga and Vanuatu with six in production for the Cook Islands.
The Mint has assisted in coin reform for five countries since 2012, including the Solomon Islands and Samoa.
