The National Reserve Bank of Tonga is urging the public to report and submit any counterfeit coins and banknotes to the bank and Police for investigations.
The Reserve Bank issued a statement saying it has not received any report of a 1 Pa’anga counterfeit coin.
Local media report a shopkeeper discovered a defaced seniti – one cent coin - in her shop.
Members of the public and the business community have been reminded to carefully check all currency coins and banknotes which come into their possession.
There is a pamphlet outlining security features to assist members of the public in identifying genuine coins and banknotes.
Counterfeit coins and banknotes carry zero value and will not be accepted by the Commercial Banks or the Reserve Bank.