Obverse. Photo © Numista
  • 50 Cents 1986-1987, KM# 54, Fiji, Elizabeth II
  • 50 Cents 1986-1987, KM# 54, 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 1987
RDM

Reverse

Camakau above value.

Camakau are a traditional watercraft of Fiji. Part of the broader Austronesian tradition, they are similar to catamarans, outrigger canoes, or smaller versions the drua, but are larger than a takia.

Engraver: Ken Payne

50 cents

Edge

50 Cents

3rd portrait
KM# 54
Characteristics
Material Cupronickel
Weight 15.55 g
Diameter 31.5 mm
Thickness -
Shape polygon
Sides 12
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Australian Mint (RAM)

Related coins

3rd portrait

Nickel Bonded Steel, 13.43 g, ⌀ 31.5 mm