Tonga 2 Paanga 2008, P-38(1), UNC

George Tupou V anchors the face; outdoor study and a rugby match give the reverse an unusually lively picture of youth.

Design & Symbolism

Obverse

King George Tupou V is portrayed beside Tonga's national emblem on a light-red face carrying both English and Tongan text. Layered ornamental bands hold the denomination and serial elements around him, while the narrow NRBT windowed thread and portrait watermark add structure without interrupting the royal image.

Reverse

Children study outside a school building while two men play rugby nearby, combining classroom life and sport within one continuous scene. A medallion and bilingual inscriptions occupy the remaining field. The light-red engraving keeps the figures legible and gives the reverse a more informal social character than the ceremonial portrait on the face.

Collector’s Insight

For collectors, this first variety carries the Feleti Sevele and ʻOtenifi Matoto signature pair with prefix A. Although grouped with the 2008 issue in cataloguing, the recorded circulation introduction was 21 January 2009. The signatures and prefix provide the safest identification because later printings retain the same school and rugby composition.

Shipping & Guarantee

Each banknote is carefully handled and securely packed to ensure safe delivery. Authenticity is guaranteed.

Serial number and prefix may vary from the reference image.