Fiji: Coins Issued and Used

The pound was the currency of Fiji between 1873 and 1969. It was subdivided into 20 shillings, each of 12 pence.

In 1934, coins were introduced in denominations of ½, 1 and 6 pence, 1 shilling and 1 florin (2 shillings). A notable absence from this list is the 3 pence denomination which existed in all other territories which used sterling coinage. The absence of a 3 pence coin was a matter of considerable controversy. The larger denomination Fiji coins were the same size as the corresponding British coins, whereas the ½ and 1 penny cupro-nickel coins were smaller and had holes in them. In 1942 and 1943, coins were produced for Fiji at the San Francisco mint, resulting in brass ½ and 1 penny coins and 90% silver 6 pence, shilling and florin coins. In 1947, a nickel-brass dodecagonal 3 pence coin of identical size and shape to the corresponding sterling coin was finally introduced. Cupro-nickel replaced silver between 1953 and 1957.

In 1871, 1 pound notes were issued at Levuka on the island of Ovalau. These were followed in 1873 by notes of the Fiji Banking and Commercial Company in denominations of 5 and 10 shillings and 1 and 5 pounds. The Bank of New Zealand introduced notes in 1876 in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 20 pounds, followed by 10 shillings notes in 1918. The Bank of New South Wales issued 1 pound notes in 1901.

In 1917, as a wartime emergency measure, the government introduced 1 pound notes, followed by 5 and 10 shillings in 1920, 10 pounds in 1925, 5 pounds in 1926 and 20 pounds in 1934. Emergency issues were also made during World War II for 1 penny, 1 and 2 shillings.