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1/2 Koula - Salote Tupou III
| Issuer | Government of Tonga |
|---|---|
| Year | 1962 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Obverse lettering | HALF KOULA TONGA |
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| Mintage | 1962 - Schön# 2 - 3,000 1962 - Schön# 2a, Proof - 350 |
| Additional information |
Salote Tupou III ruled Tonga from 1918 until her death in 1965, and achieved genuine international recognition when she rode open-carriaged through the rain at Elizabeth II's 1953 coronation — her refusal of an umbrella reportedly charmed the London crowds more than almost any other foreign dignitary present. This gold koula issue was struck in 1962 as part of Tonga's first domestically-authorized gold coinage, a deliberate assertion of financial and political autonomy while the kingdom remained a British protectorate.
The .917 fineness places it squarely in the crown gold standard, though the small silver alloy component was a practical hardening measure common to struck gold of this weight class.