Fiji: unrealised decimal designs

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Variations on the layout of the 1 cent design.

The design features a native food bowl.

Fiji released its first decimal coins in 1969.

It became independent from the UK in 1970.

The original reverse designs were prepared in Suva by Ken Payne.

He was a well-known commercial artist in Fiji.

His designs were modelled by Geoffrey Colley of the Royal Mint (UK).

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Alternative 1 cent and 5 cents designs.

A conch shell and a tortoise were considered as alternatives to the 5 cent drum design.

The Royal Mint Advisory Committee (RMAC) thought the drum unsuitable.

However, the Fiji government insisted on retaining it.


RMAC also prepared a design showing a head rest for the 1 cent coin

However, it was likewise rejected by Fiji.

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Sketches for the eventual 2 and 5 cents designs.

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Dollar design with sprigs.

A dollar coin was also minted, for collectors only.

This unissued version shows sprigs at left and right.

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This $1 design shows rosettes instead of sprigs.






More design variations.

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A sketch of the issued dollar design.

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Reverse of the issued $1 collector coin.




The issued decimal circulation coins of 1969.

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The obverse of the coins showed the Arnold Machin portrait of Elizabeth II.

At the time, Fiji was a commonwealth realm, but it became a republic in 1987.

Fiji did not remove the Queen's portrait from its coins until 2012.

[Oklahoman]

Is it possible that the food bowl is actually a ceremonial kava bowl?

[Figleaf]

Picture: By Jaejay77 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50488596 (extract)

I think you are quite right. This makes the thread even better.

Peter

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See also:  The decimal coinage of Fiji.