Tokelau
 
 
It is known as New Zealand territory of Tokelau. Tokelau consists of three atolls totaling about 12 square kilometers. Capital: Fakaofo (officially None, each atoll has its own administrative center). Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
 
               bf.1600      Fakaofo (the senior polity) founded; Nukunonu and Atafu later
                             become independent.
               21 Jun 1765  Atafu discovered by Commodore John Byron on the Dolphin, and
                             named Duke of York Island.
               06 Jun 1791  Nukunonu discovered by Capt. Edward Edwards on HMS Pandora
                             and is named Duke of Clarence Island.
               28 Jan 1841  Fakaofo visited by the U.S. Exploration Expedition and is
                             named Bowditch Island.
               13 Aug 1877  Under British jurisdiction by British Western Pacific order.
               21 Jun 1889  Formal British protectorate (Union Islands or Union Group)
                             proclaimed by Commander Oldham aboard the HMS Egeria.
 13 Aug 1877 - 1926         Part of the British Western Pacific Territories.
               29 Feb 1916  Union Group (Tokelau) becomes part of the British colony
                             of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands (Kiribati and Tuvalu).
               1925         Separated from Gilbert and Ellice Islands; administered by
                             the Governor-general of New Zealand.
               11 Feb 1926  Governor-general's powers delegated to the Administrator
                             (later High commissioner) of Western Samoa.
               1946         Renamed Tokelau Islands.
               01 Jan 1949  Incorporated into New Zealand.
               09 Dec 1976  Renamed Tokelau.
               02 Dec 1980  U.S. recognizes Atafu, Fafaofu, and Nukunono atolls as part
                             of Tokelau (effective 3 Sep 1983).
               16 Feb 2006  Referendum on self-government status in free association
                             with New Zealand fails; 349 yes to 232 short of the the 2/3
                             required for approval.
               24 Oct 2007  Referendum on self-government status in free association
                             with New Zealand fails; 446 yes to 246; which is 16 votes
                             short of the 2/3 required.
 

 
Tokelau is a non-self-governing territory of New Zealand consisting of three coral atolls in the South Pacific: Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo. These atolls lie between 171° and 173° W longitude and 8° and 10° S latitude, approximately mid-way between Hawaii and New Zealand and about 500 km north of Samoa. Formerly known as the Union Islands, the name 'Tokelau Islands' was adopted in 1946 and then shortened to 'Tokelau' in 1976. Tokelau can be taken to refer more immediately to some concept of nationhood, arguably infusing increased meaning to the draft 2006 independence constitution of Tokelau which, controversially or not, defines Swains Island (Olohega), currently part of American Samoa, as part of the national territory. The islands are Atafu, at one time known as the Duke of York Group, Nukunonu, also the Duke of Clarence Group, and Fakaofo, once Bowditch Island. The roughly 1500 hardy inhabitants of Tokelau, unofficially known as Tokelauans, are thought to have settled the islands more than a thousand years ago- thus, they are generically recognized as being Polynesians. 'Tokelau' is Polynesian for 'North Wind'.
According to archaeological evidence, the islands were settled about 1000 years ago. Several hundred years of oral history remain, showing a belief in Polynesian mythology and the worship of the god Tui Tokelau.
Tokelauan society was ruled by clans. Each atoll was independent until the 18th century, when Fakaofo conquered Atafu and Nukunonu and united the three atolls. Inhabitants lived a subsistence lifestyle, relying on fish and coconuts for sustenance. Vice-Admiral John Byron of England found Atafu on his 1765 voyage but saw no signs of inhabitants. In 1791, Captain Edward Edwards found Nukunonu while searching for mutineers from the HMS Bounty. The US whaling ship General Jackson reached the island of Fakaofo in 1835. Catholic and Protestant missionaries from Samoa sailed to the islands in the mid-1800's, the former converting most inhabitants of Nukunonu and the latter converting most of the inhabitants of Atafu. Both groups of missionaries worked on Fakaofo, resulting in a mix of Catholics and Protestants on this atoll. In 1889, the islands were claimed by Britain. They became part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands (Kiribati and Tuvalu) in 1916, which was then renamed the Union Group. Though Tokelauans are Polynesian, some have European names, a result of visits by whalers and European explorers in the late 19th century. Tokelau culture is Polynesian culture. Sharing of resources according to need and respect for elders are integral characteristics of this culture. Age typically determines the level of employment; the older Tokelauans holding managerial positions.
In 1925, the islands came under the administration of New Zealand. They became a New Zealand territory in 1948.
As a territory, Tokelau has had an Administrator appointed by the New Zealand Minister for Foreign Affairs; however, in 2004, the Administrator delegated his powers to the three Village Councils. Since 1996, Tokelau has also had a legislative body, called the General Fono council, which deals with national issues. In addition, every three years, a Village Head is elected. Daily activities in the villages are managed by elected mayors. New Zealand statutory laws do not apply to Tokelau except when they are expressly extended to the territory. New Zealand contributes development assistance to Tokelau, which amounts to most of the territory's budget. In 2006, and 2007, Tokelauans held referenda to decide whether to move to self government in free association with New Zealand. In both referenda, the citizens failed to achieve the required two thirds majority. Tokelau is a full or associate member of many international organizations, including South Pacific Regional Environmental Programme, the Forum Fisheries Agency, the World Health Organization, and UN Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Tokelau has no harbors or ports nor does it have an airport.The best way for tourists and travelers to get to Tokelau is from Apia, Samoa, by ship, which runs every two weeks. Today, more Tokelauans live outside Tokelau than on the islands, mostly in New Zealand. According to the Central Intelligence Agency's list of countries by GDP, Tokelau has the smallest economy of any country in the world, with an annual purchasing power of about US $1,000 (€674) per capita.
Most food and drink is shipped to the islands, as little can be grown on these coral atolls. There is little native fauna on the atolls. Lizards are common. Migratory seabirds visit Tokelau frequently. The geographic future of Tokelau depends on the height of the ocean. No significant land is more than two meters above high water of ordinary tides. This means Tokelau is particularly vulnerable to any possible sea level rises caused by global warming. Tokelau has few natural resources, however recently became the first nation to be completely solar powered.
 
New Zealand Dollar is used in Tokelau, but a few commemorative coins are produced from time to time, since 1978.
 
1994
 

KM#19 5 Tala. Year: 1994. Weight: 31.47g. Metal: 0.925 Silver. Diameter: 41.00 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "TOKELAU · 1994" written at the top. Crowned head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right in the center. Reverse: "OLYMPIC GAMES 1996" written at the top section. Two Swimmers racing towards right in the center. Value "$5 · LIMA TALA" written at the bottom section. Mintage: 40,000. Minted Years: One year type. Subject: Olympic Games 1996 - Sydney. Ruler: Elizabeth II [Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor].

KM#21 5 Tala. Year: 1994. Weight: 31.47g. Metal: 0.925 Silver. Diameter: 41.00 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "TOKELAU · 1994" written at the top. Crowned head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right in the center. Reverse: "PROTECT OUR WORLD" written at the top section. Swamp (wetland forest) in the center. Value "$5 · LIMA TALA" written at the bottom section. Mintage: 10,000. Minted Years: One year type. Subject: Protect Our World. Ruler: Elizabeth II [Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor].
 
2012
Tokelau issued its first minor coins in 2012. These five coin set features the people and heritage of Tokelau.
 

1 cent. Year: 2012. Weight: 1.83g [2.00g]. Metal: Bronze. Diameter: 17.00 mm. Thickness: 1.28 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Coin. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "~ ELIZABETH II ~ TOKELAU 2012 ~" written on the top within native geometric circular pattern. Crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right in the center. Tokelau Flag at the bottom. Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley.
Reverse: Fish flying over an island with setting sun. Value "1c" written at the bottom. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Elizabeth II [Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor].

2 cents. Year: 2012. Weight: 4.52g [4.50g]. Metal: Bronze. Diameter: 21.00 mm. Thickness: 1.83 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Coin. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "~ ELIZABETH II ~ TOKELAU 2012 ~" written on the top within native geometric circular pattern. Crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right in the center. Tokelau Flag at the bottom. Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley.
Reverse: A native male dancer on an island with raising sun. Value "2c" written below is right arm. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Elizabeth II [Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor].

5 cents. Year: 2012. Weight: 5.01g [5.00g]. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 23.00 mm. Thickness: 1.70 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Coin. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "~ ELIZABETH II ~ TOKELAU 2012 ~" written on the top within native geometric circular pattern. Crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right in the center. Tokelau Flag at the bottom. Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley.
Reverse: A native female dancer on an island with two trees and sun setting. Value "5c" written below sun. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Elizabeth II [Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor].

10 cents. Year: 2012. Weight: 6.02g [6.00g]. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 25.00 mm. Thickness: 1.70 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Coin. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "~ ELIZABETH II ~ TOKELAU 2012 ~" written on the top within native geometric circular pattern. Crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right in the center. Tokelau Flag at the bottom. Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley.
Reverse: A native Tokelauan spear fishing in the sea with trees and sun setting in the background. Value "10c" written below his left arm. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Elizabeth II [Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor].

20 cents. Year: 2012. Weight: 11.92g [11.90g]. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 31.75 mm. Thickness: 2.12 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Coin. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "~ ELIZABETH II ~ TOKELAU 2012 ~" written on the top within native geometric circular pattern. Crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right in the center. Tokelau Flag at the bottom. Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley. Reverse: Two native Tokelauan sailing in a boat around an island with trees and sun setting in the background. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Elizabeth II [Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor].
 
2017
 

1 cent. Year: 2017. Weight: 2.12g [2.10g]. Metal: Bronze plated Steel. Diameter: 18.20 mm. Thickness: 1.35 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "~ ELIZABETH II ~ TOKELAU 2017 ~" written on the top within native geometric circular pattern. Crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right in the center. Tokelau Flag at the bottom. Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley.
Reverse: Value "1c" written at the top. Turtle swimming right in the center with sea weeds at the bottom. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Elizabeth II [Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor].

2 cents. Year: 2017. Weight: 4.77g [4.80g]. Metal: Bronze. Diameter: 21.00 mm. Thickness: 2.00 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "~ ELIZABETH II ~ TOKELAU 2017 ~" written on the top within native geometric circular pattern. Crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right in the center. Tokelau Flag at the bottom. Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley.

Reverse: Value "2c" written at the top. Crab moving forward in the center with leaves behind it. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Elizabeth II [Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor].

5 cents. Year: 2017. Weight: 4.14g [4.15g]. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 20.00 mm. Thickness: 2.00 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "~ ELIZABETH II ~ TOKELAU 2017 ~" written on the top within native geometric circular pattern. Crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right in the center. Tokelau Flag at the bottom. Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley.
Reverse: Lizard head facing upwards in the center. Value "5c" written at the bottom at the base of the Lizard's neck. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Elizabeth II [Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor].

10 cents. Year: 2017. Weight: 4.79g [4.80g]. Metal: Bronze. Diameter: 21.00 mm. Thickness: 2.00 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "~ ELIZABETH II ~ TOKELAU 2017 ~" written on the top within native geometric circular pattern. Crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right in the center. Tokelau Flag at the bottom. Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley.

Reverse: Value "10c" written at the top right side. Butterfly sitting in the center. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Elizabeth II [Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor]. This coin has the same metal composition, size and specification as of 2 cents 2017.

20 cents. Year: 2017. Weight: 4.90g [4.90g]. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 22.10 mm. Thickness: 1.60 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "~ ELIZABETH II ~ TOKELAU 2017 ~" written on the top within native geometric circular pattern. Crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right in the center. Tokelau Flag at the bottom. Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley.
Reverse: A man moving towards left in his dugout canoe in the sea. Two palm trees in the background on a small Island with a bird flying above. Value "20c" written at the top right side. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Elizabeth II [Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor].

50 cents. Year: 2017. Weight: 6.32g [6.30g]. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 25.00 mm. Thickness: 1.60 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "~ ELIZABETH II ~ TOKELAU 2017 ~" written on the top within native geometric circular pattern. Crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right in the center. Tokelau Flag at the bottom. Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley.
Reverse: A sailboat sailing forward in the center. An island with a palm tree at the right side. Two clouds at the top right side. Value "50c" written at the bottom. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Elizabeth II [Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor].

One Dollar. Year: 2017. Weight: 7.34g [7.35g]. Metal: Aluminium-Bronze. Diameter: 23.55 mm. Thickness: 2.20 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "~ ELIZABETH II ~ TOKELAU 2017 ~" written on the top within native geometric circular pattern. Crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right in the center. Tokelau Flag at the bottom. Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley.

Reverse: Native man blowing a Chank shell (Turbinella pyrum) surrounding by triangular design. Value "1 DOLLAR" written at the bottom. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Elizabeth II [Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor].

Two Dollars. Year: 2017. Weight: 9.60g [9.60g]. Metal: Aluminium-Bronze. Diameter: 27.00 mm. Thickness: 2.10 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: N/A. Obverse: "~ ELIZABETH II ~ TOKELAU 2017 ~" written on the top within native geometric circular pattern. Crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right in the center. Tokelau Flag at the bottom. Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley. Reverse: Three sharks in the center. Value "2 DOLLARS" written between the sharks. Mintage: N/A. Minted Years: One year type. Ruler: Elizabeth II [Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor].
 
 
 
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