Solomon Islands: unadopted designs

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INTRODUCTION

The Solomon Islands issued its first national coinage in 1977.

It was designed by London goldsmith, David J Thomas.

The designs shown in this topic are also all by David J Thomas.

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Sketch of 5 cents.

His first try at a bonito fish, for the 5 cents coin.

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Alternative sketch of 5 cents.

His next attempt, after being shown a photo of the fish.

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Sketch of 1 dollar design.

This sculpture, intended for the dollar, was not adopted.

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Unadopted $5 and $150 designs.

These designs were intended for independence commemoratives that were never issued.

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The issued 5 and 10 cents and dollar designs.

Here are some designs from the issued set.

They feature examples of the local art and craft.

They are thematically rather different from the unadopted designs.

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1 cent sketch.  Local motif.

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1 cent sketch.   Wooden turtle ornament.

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2 cents sketch.  Pan pipes.

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5 cents sketch.  Stylised frigate birds.

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10 cents sketch.  Shark.

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20 cents sketch.  Shell money.

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20 cents sketch.  Shell money.

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20 cents sketch.  Sea spirit.

This was moved to the 10 cents coin.

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2 cents.  Pan pipes.