Kiribati Coins

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Obverse of 1982 Kiribati 5 Dollars

Reverse of 1982 Kiribati 5 Dollars

Early History
The islands of Kiribati were first inhabited by Melanesians who arrived some time before the Medieval Period. Later, Polynesians arrived from Samoa and Tonga and intermingled with the existing population.

British Colonisation
Prior to British colonisation, the islands were frequently visited by European sailing vessels from the 16th Century onwards, but in 1892 the Gilberts were declared a British protectorate. The neighbouring Ellice Islands were also declared a separate British protectorate that same year. They were subsequently combined to form the Gilbert and Ellice Island Protectorate, which in 1916 became a crown colony.

World War II
The Gilbert Islands were captured by the Japanese as part of their Pacific Campaign in 1942 and established a heavy presence on the atoll of Tarawa. The Islands were the scene of an extremely bloody battle between the US Marines and the Japanese Garrison that resulted in over 6,000 casualties in November 1943.

Independence
The colony of Gilbert and Ellice Islands were granted self-rule in 1971, and was split up in 1975, with the Ellice Islands eventually emerging as the independent nation of Tuvalu in 1978. The Gilbert Islands gained full independence in 1979 and the independent country created was named Kiribati.

Coinage of Kiribati
Prior to Independence, coins of the Australian Pound, and subsequently, the Australian dollar were and are still used. However, in 1979, Australian coins were complemented by an issue of coins of the Kiribati dollar, for which coins of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 are issued. Apart from the 50 and $1 pieces, the denominations are identical in size and composition to their Australian counterparts which continue to circulate at par with Kiribati currency.

For Sale and Wanted
If you are interested in coins from Kiribati please see our product index:-
Kiribati Coins

Gold Coins
We also have gold coins from Kiribati on our taxfreegold website:-
Kiribati Gold Coins