Tuvaluan Dollar - Coins

Coins

In 1976, corresponding with its slated independence, Tuvalu's first coins were introduced in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and 1 dollar. The set, designed by John Donald features an aquatic theme. The bronze 1 and 2 cents and the cupro-nickel 5, 10 and 20 cents were the same size, weight, and composition as the corresponding Australian coins they were set to constitute. However, the cupro-nickel 50 cent piece was distinct from the dodecagonal (twelve sided) Australian 50 cent coin in that it was round with plain edges. The nonogonal (nine sided) cupro-nickel 1 dollar piece was unique not only by its odd shape, but it also predated the Australian 1 dollar coin by eight years. It was also issued long before the trend toward larger denomination coins became much more widespread in many countries. The nine sides on the dollar are meant to represent each of the nine islands and atolls composing the Tuvalu chain. Each of the coins depicts a sea animal that is native to the area, with the only exception to that being the 1 cent, which depicts an empty spider conch shell washed up on the shore.

The 1976 series also included the introduction of Tuvalu's first silver and gold proof bullion coins. A silver 5 dollar piece and a gold 50 dollar piece. They are considered an official release and legal tender within Tuvalu.

Although Australia withdrew their 1 and 2 cent coins from circulation in 1991 there was still demand for the two lower denominations in Tuvalu so these continued to be retained well after Australia discontinued use. However, as prices and shipping costs have progressively risen the 1 and 2 cent coins have since been withdrawn from circulation.

Australia introduced a 2 dollar coin to replace the note in 1988, but Tuvaluan 2 dollar coins have never been introduced. Instead the Australian piece circulates in place. In recent years, Tuvaluans have also taken a preference to Australia's smaller, round, brass dollar over their own large, clumsy nonogonal ones, and are thus seen a little less often.

In 1994, the Queen's profile was changed in tandem with many other Commonwealth states to the more recent Raphael Maklouf design. Older coins dated 1976-1985 feature the Arnold Machin design. After the 1994 issue, Tuvaluan coins ceased to be produced and Australian coins sent in their stead. However, Tuvalu coins remain as legal tender and continue to circulate alongside Australian ones.

Tuvalu also issues a fair number of non-circulating bullion type coins and colorized commemoratives, which earns the country a small portion of its limited income. Queen Elizabeth II is depicted on all coins issued by Tuvalu; though there were calls from some politicians to abolish Tuvalu's monarchy and remove the sovereign's image from all future coins, a majority vote decided otherwise.

The reverse of each coin depicts as follows:

1 CENT: Spider Conch shell

2 CENTS: Stingray

5 CENTS: Tiger Shark

10 CENTS: Red Eyed Crab

20 CENTS: Flying Fish

50 CENTS: Octopus

1 DOLLAR: Sea Turtle