Obverse: The obverse features a bust of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Raphael David Maklouf. The portrait is surrounded by a dotted border, with the inscriptions TOKELAU and the year 1993 around it. The initials RDM appear below the bust. This design symbolizes Tokelau’s constitutional connection with the British Crown as a dependent territory of New Zealand.
Reverse: The reverse depicts Steindachner’s Emo Skink (Emoia adspersa) resting on a branch. At the top appears the legend ENDANGERED WILDLIFE, and below are the denomination $5 and LIMA TALA (Five Tala). The design highlights the beauty of nature and the importance of conserving endangered species.
About the coin: The 1993 5 Tala silver coin is dedicated to the endangered lizard species Emoia adspersa, also known as Steindachner’s Emo Skink. This reptile inhabits islands across Micronesia, Samoa, and parts of the Pacific. It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN due to habitat loss and the effects of invasive species.
The coin is part of the international “Endangered Wildlife” series, celebrating the world’s rare and threatened fauna. It is struck from 92.5% sterling silver, weighs 31.47 g, measures 38.61 mm in diameter, and is 3 mm thick. The pure silver content is 29.6 g.
This coin combines artistic beauty and environmental symbolism, serving as a reminder of humanity’s duty to protect biodiversity and preserve the planet’s natural balance.
