Tonga 2002 10 seniti
This specimen was issued by the kingdom of Tonga as part of the F.A.O. series. Tonga, heavily marketed as a tropical paradise where tourists are served cold drinks under swaying palm trees, is not generally considered in need of F.A.O. assistance, but poverty exists there, too. Lack of development has forced a substantial portion of the population (including the king) to work abroad and the economy is dependent on their remittances home. In 2010, the monarchy relinguished many of its powers and adopted a constitution, but corruption remains a problem. Coinage commenced in 1962 and was converted to decimal coinage in 1967. As of August 2019, US$1 = 2.38 pa'anga (symbol T$). This type was struck in 2002 and 2005 (the SCWC lists 2003 and 2004 but Numista doubts their existence). It superseded a copper-nickel type (KM 69). King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV (b. 1918, r. 1965-2006) spent most of his declining years in New Zealand.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 4.8 g, nickel plated steel, 23.5 mm diameter, reeded edge.
Catalog reference: KM 69a.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Tucker, Warren, and Scott Cordry, Heritage Signature Auction 3009: World Coins, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2010.
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