10 Dollars - Elizabeth II 2nd portrait, Set Issue

The Solomon Islands gained independence from Britain in July 1978, and the first decimal coinage series followed almost immediately. These larger-denomination pieces were issued as part of collector sets rather than for everyday transactions — the islands' cash economy at the time was limited enough that a ten-dollar coin had little practical role outside of ceremonial exchange and tourism revenue.

The second portrait of Elizabeth II, by Arnold Machin, had been in circulation on Commonwealth coinage since 1968.