1 Pound Sterling

Tonga was one of the few Pacific kingdoms to retain full independence throughout the colonial period, and its Currency Commission — rather than a colonial treasury or trading bank — issued notes directly, an unusual arrangement that gave the royal government genuine control over its own paper money supply. De La Rue had printed for Pacific territories before, but Tongan issues of this period are genuinely scarce; the islands' small population and limited commercial economy meant print runs were small and survival rates low.

Three commissioner signatures were required for validity. The presence of Tuilovakano alongside the European administrators reflects the Commission's hybrid character.