Vanuatu Vatu - Coins

Coins

Vanuatu's first post colonial coin was a 50 vatu coin introduced in 1981 and commemorated independence. It was struck in stainless steel alloy like previous issues and was released into circulation, though originally its release was targeted more towards collectors. Shortly thereafter, in 1983, 1, 2, 5, vatu coins were released in aluminum bronze and 10, 20, and 50-vatu coins were introduced in cupro-nickel, replacing the coinage of the New Hebrides Franc as the new circulation currency. This also replaced the Australian currency that was circulating in the British controlled islands. All Vanuatu coins depict a native warrior standing in front of a depiction of a type of "shell money" in the background. The reverses depict shells, lobsters, and other items that were also traditionally accepted as forms of trade.

Due to Vanuatu's French colonial history, the Current vatu coins have the same size and coloration of the coins of New Hebrides which are based in part on French units, particularly the 1, 2, and 5 vatu in their similarity in size and composition to the 5, 10, and 20 centimes of the old French Franc. The 10, 20, and 50 vatu bear some similarities to Australian coins but are actually slightly larger with closer approximate size to coins of similar valuation to those in New Caledonia, and French Polynesia. In 1988, a nickel-brass 100 vatu coin was introduced, this coin replaced the 100 vatu note. The coin is of the same size and general thickness of the British 1 pound coin. Due to inflation, the two lowest coin denominations are seldom seen in general circulation, while the 20, 50, and 100 vatu are the most extensively used coins.