The obverse of the coin shows at its centre the Coat of Arms of Fiji, as adopted in 1908 by a Royal Warrant, consisting of a shield divided quarterly by the Cross of St. George and charged with lion at the top, supported by two Fijian warriors, one on each side - one clutching a spear and one holding a totokia club, and topped with a takia - a traditional Fijian outrigger canoe, in full sail.
The objects on the Coat of Arms carry cultural, political, and regional meanings. The Cross of St. George and the lion at the top represent the United Kingdom, the former colonial power that ruled over Fiji. The cacao pod held in the lion's paw, along with the sugarcane, coconut palm and bananas occupying three of the four quadrants, represent the country's natural resource. The bottom left quadrant contains a dove that symbolises peace.
At the bottom is the country's motto: Rerevaka na kalou ka doka na Tui; translated from Fijian: Fear God and honour the Queen. |
