Numismatic

1967 Tonga Bronze 1 Seniti Salote Tupou III BU (Red)

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This bronze 1 Seniti from Tonga, minted in 1967, offers a captivating glimpse into the South Pacific island nation's mid-century coinage. Struck during a period of transition, this coin features a brilliant uncirculated finish that highlights its rich copper-toned design and crisp details. On the obverse side, the coin displays the right-facing portrait of Queen Salote Tupou III, who ruled Tonga for nearly half a century. Her legacy is preserved on this coin alongside her name, SALOTE TUPOU III, and the year 1967. The reverse of the coin is dedicated to a truly remarkable creature: Tu'i Malilia, a famous radiated tortoise. According to local lore, this tortoise was gifted to the Tongan royal family by Captain Cook in the late eighteenth century and lived for nearly two centuries, becoming a beloved national icon. This specific issue, cataloged as KM#4 and Schon#4, had a mintage of 1,000,000 pieces.