4 Shillings 1941, Tonga
| in Krause book | Number: 5b |
| Years of issue: | 01.12.1941 |
| Edition: | 866 |
| Signatures: | Treasurer: Mr. H. E. Nicolson, Prime Minister: Hon. Solomone Ula Ata (in office from July 1941 till 12.12.1949), Accountant General: Mr. George Goodacre |
| Serie: | No Serie |
| Specimen of: | 08.07.1935 |
| Material: | Cotton fiber |
| Size (mm): | 176 х 95 |
| Printer: | TDLR (Thomas de la Rue & Company), London |
* All pictures marked 
are increased partially by magnifying glass, the remaining open in full size by clicking on the image.
** The word "Specimen" is present only on some of electronic pictures, in accordance with banknote images publication rules of appropriate banks.
Description
Watermark:
Rhombic pattern.
Avers:
On right and left sides are the coconut palms (Cōcos nucifēra).
The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the family Arecaceae (palm family).
It is the only accepted species in the genus Cocos. The term coconut can refer to the entire coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which, botanically, is a drupe, not a nut. The spelling cocoanut is an archaic form of the word. The term is derived from the XIV century Portuguese and Spanish word coco meaning "head" or "skull", from the three indentations on the coconut shell that resemble facial features.
The coconut is known for its great versatility as seen in the many uses of its different parts and found throughout the tropics and subtropics. Coconuts are part of the daily diets of many people. Coconuts are different from any other fruits because they contain a large quantity of "water" and when immature they are known as tender-nuts or jelly-nuts and may be harvested for drinking. When mature, they still contain some water and can be used as seednuts or processed to give oil from the kernel, charcoal from the hard shell and coir from the fibrous husk. The endosperm is initially in its nuclear phase suspended within the coconut water. As development continues, cellular layers of endosperm deposit along the walls of the coconut, becoming the edible coconut "flesh". When dried, the coconut flesh is called copra. The oil and milk derived from it are commonly used in cooking and frying; coconut oil is also widely used in soaps and cosmetics. The clear liquid coconut water within is potable. The husks and leaves can be used as material to make a variety of products for furnishing and decorating. The coconut also has cultural and religious significance in many societies that use it. 
Centered is the coat of arms of Tonga.
It was designed in 1875 with the creation of the constitution.
The three swords represent the three dynasties or lines of the kings of Tonga, namely the Tuʻi Tonga, Tuʻi Haʻatakalaua and the current Tuʻi Kanokupolu). Tonga was united under King Siaosi Tupou I, who then orchestrated the formation of the first formal government and also the coat of arms. The dove with the olive branch symbolizes the wish of God's peace to reign in Tonga forever (the dove and olive branch are taken from the story of Noah and the Great Flood in the Bible). The three stars symbolize the main island groups of Tonga, which are Tongatapu, Vavaʻu and Haʻapai. The Crown symbolizes the ruling monarchy, the King of Tonga. The text on the scroll at the bottom reads "Ko e ʻOtua mo Tonga ko hoku Tofiʻa" in the Tongan language: "God and Tonga are my inheritance".
There is no official specification of how exactly the arms should look. Even the shield on the front gate of the late king's palace is different from the old black/white copy used by the (ex-) government printer on all official stationery, is different from the copy on the prime minister's office webpage, etc. Some have pointed crowns, some rounded; some have normal flags, others have flags looking more like banners; some use the modern orthography, some the old (Ko e Otua mo Toga ko hoku Tofia); some have black swords, others white; and so forth.
Denominations in numerals are in lower left and top right corners. Centered, on top and at bottom - in words.
Revers:
Big rosette (pattern).
Denominations in numerals are in top left and lower right corners. In words are in lower left and top right corners.
Comments:
In this issue the word "Sterling" struck-through by the bank!
If you find my work useful I will be grateful for any help in supporting the site.
-
PayPal