Tonga recently issued a set of five new 2015 dated coins for circulation to mark the coronation of King Tupou VI. Though he ascended to the throne in 2012, the coronation did not take place until July 4, 2015. One side of the aluminum-bronze 1 Pa’anga depicts the late King George Tupou V wearing a crown. The arms of Tonga on the other side. The other four coins depict the new King Tupou VI without a crown. The 50 Senti depicts the introduction of the Milolua during the Tongan Kava Ceremony. A native sail boat, called a Kalia is on the 20 Senti. Two Malau birds, also known as the Tongan Megapode, are depicted on the 10 Senti. The Heilala flower is on the 5 Senti. The coins represent the first major coinage reform by Tonga in almost 50 years.
