Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 1 Cent 1990-2005, KM# 49a, Fiji, Elizabeth II
  • 1 Cent 1990-2005, KM# 49a, Fiji, Elizabeth II
Description

Fiji, officially the Republic of Fiji, is an island country in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean about 1,100 nautical miles (2,000 km; 1,300 mi) northeast of New Zealand's North Island. Fiji is an archipelago of more than 330 islands, of which 110 are permanently inhabited, and more than 500 islets, amounting to a total land area of about 18,300 square kilometres (7,100 sq mi). The two major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, account for 87% of the total population of 898,760. The capital, Suva on Viti Levu, serves as Fiji's principal cruise port.

Fiji has been inhabited since the second millennium BC, and was settled first by Austronesians and later by Melanesians, with some Polynesian influences. Europeans visited Fiji from the 17th century, and, after a brief period as an independent kingdom, the British established the Colony of Fiji in 1874. Fiji was a Crown colony until 1970, when it gained independence as a Commonwealth realm. A republic was declared in 1987, following a series of coups d'état.

Obverse

Third crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewellery has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

Engraver: Raphael David Maklouf

ELIZABETH II FIJI 1990
RDM

Reverse

Tanoa devides the denomination, around, a circle of pearls.

A Tanoa is a large deep wooden bowl used for the Sevusevu, ceremony of presentation of the Yaquna, Fijian name for Kava.

Engraver: Ken Payn

1
cent

Edge

1 Cent

3rd portrait
KM# 49a
Characteristics
Material Copper Plated Zinc
Weight 1.54 g
Diameter 17.5 mm
Thickness 1.17 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)

Related coins

2nd portrait

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Bronze, 1.9 g, ⌀ 17.5 mm