Press Release No 28 –
Reserve Bank Of Fiji Launches Iliesa Delana Commemorative 50 Cent Circulation Coin
Press Release No. : 28/2013
Date : 18 September 2013
The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) today officially launched the Iliesa Delana commemorative 50 cent circulation coin in recognition of the magnificent London 2012 Paralympic Games Gold medal win by Mr Iliesa Delana.
The coin was launched by the Governor of the Reserve Bank, Mr Barry Whiteside and Mr Iliesa Delana at the Reserve Bank today. In launching the commemorative coin, the Governor said the gold medal win at the London 2012 Paralympic Games is not only the first for Fiji but also the first for the South Pacific and it is only appropriate that we are able to accord it the highest level of recognition. Fiji, as a nation, and all Fijians, should be proud of this achievement which should also serve as an inspiration to the youths of Fiji to learn from Mr Delana’s hard work, courage, determination and achievements to continue to strive for the best.
The obverse (front) of this commemorative 50 cent coin features the Fijian Coat of Arms while the reverse (back) features the portrait of Iliesa Delana at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. The launch, part of the RBF’s 40th anniversary celebrations, took place this morning amongst invited guests from the sporting fraternity, the RBF Board Directors and staff.
Work on this coin began in September 2012. Only 500,000 coins have been struck and will be issued into circulation from today, Wednesday 18 September 2013. This special issue limited edition coin is legal tender and can be used to pay for goods and services as well as meeting the demand for 50 cent coins by the public. Due to the coin’s limited quantity, it is expected that collectors both locally and abroad may keep it as part of their collections.
The Governor extends his sincere gratitude to Mr Iliesa Delana, Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee, Fiji Paralympic Committee and Digicel (Fiji) Limited (the major corporate sponsor of Iliesa Delana) for their assistance during the design of the coin. The RBF Board of Directors, Management and staff congratulate Iliesa on his magnificent achievement and wish him well for the future.