Production of five new Tongan coins demoninations to mark the upcoming coronation of HM King Tupou VI in July began in Canberra on Wednesday, March 4.

Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku’aho, Tonga’s High Commissioner to Australia officially struck the new coins for Tonga at the Royal Australian Mint, so that full production could begin.

The Princess said she was proud to strike the newly minted coins as part of the celebration to honour the forthcoming coronation of her father, King Tupou VI.

The local Canberra Tongan community, officials from the National Reserve Bank in Nuku’alofa and Tonga High Commission staff were present at the event.

“The Bank is grateful to Her Royal Highness, who is also High Commissioner of Tonga in Australia, for agreeing to do this,” the Governor of the Reserve Bank, Ngongo Kioa said.

The new coins are expected to be launched by King Tupou VI, on 29 June 2015.