The Solomon Islands adopted bronze-plated steel for this denomination as a cost-cutting measure common across Pacific island economies during the 1980s, when the price of bronze made small-denomination coinage economically irrational. The third portrait of Elizabeth II, by Raphael Maklouf, was introduced across Commonwealth coinage from 1985 onward following the Royal Mint's standard rotation of effigies.
The long production window through 2010 reflects the minimal demand pressure on cent-denomination coinage in a country where purchasing power made the unit nearly ceremonial by the series' end.
The Solomon Islands adopted bronze-plated steel for this denomination as a cost-cutting measure common across Pacific island economies during the 1980s, when the price of bronze made small-denomination coinage economically irrational. The third portrait of Elizabeth II, by Raphael Maklouf, was introduced across Commonwealth coinage from 1985 onward following the Royal Mint's standard rotation of effigies.
The long production window through 2010 reflects the minimal demand pressure on cent-denomination coinage in a country where purchasing power made the unit nearly ceremonial by the series' end.