16/03/2021: New 5 Rial Polymer Banknote Introduced
A new polymer banknote with a denomination of 5 rials was introduced, enhancing durability and security features of the currency.
01/04/2020: 50th Anniversary of the Paʻanga
Tonga celebrated the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the paʻanga as its national currency.
29/07/2014: Second Devaluation of the Paʻanga
Another devaluation occurred, this time by 20%, as part of Tonga's economic reform program.
14/03/2008: Currency Redenomination
Tonga redenominated its currency, removing three zeros from the paʻanga to simplify monetary transactions.
16/11/2006: Riot and Currency Crisis
Civil unrest and riots erupted in Tonga, leading to a currency crisis and a temporary suspension of trading the paʻanga.
15/01/2003: New Omani Rial Banknotes Issued
New series of Omani rial banknotes were introduced, featuring enhanced security features and updated designs.
12/06/1994: Smaller Denomination Coins Issued
Small denomination coins, including 5, 10, 25, and 50 baisa coins, were issued in order to facilitate everyday transactions.
01/04/1991: First Devaluation of the Paʻanga
The paʻanga was devalued by 25% in an attempt to boost Tonga's economy and improve trade competitiveness.
17/03/1986: 200 Baisa Coin Introduced
A new 200 baisa coin was introduced, becoming the highest denomination coin in circulation at that time.
11/11/1975: 1/8 Rial Copper-Nickel Coin Introduced
A new 1/8 rial coin made of copper-nickel was introduced, representing a fractional value of the rial currency.
04/06/1975: Independence of Tonga
Tonga gained full independence from the United Kingdom, further solidifying the status of the paʻanga as its national currency.
02/03/1973: Rial Oman Pegged to US Dollar
The Omani rial was officially pegged to the United States dollar, with an exchange rate of 1 OMR = 2.895 USD.
27/07/1970: Rial Oman is Introduced
The Omani rial was introduced, replacing the Gulf rupee at a rate of 1 rial = 2.6008 rupees.
01/04/1967: Introduction of the Paʻanga
The Tongan paʻanga was introduced as the official currency, replacing the pound at a rate of 1 pound = 2 paʻanga.