The Fiji Independence Medal is a commemorative medal authorized by Queen Elizabeth II on November 13, 1970. It recognizes the service and sacrifice of individuals on the occasion of Fiji's independence from the United Kingdom on October 10, 1970. It was awarded to individuals serving in Fiji's armed forces, police, prisons, and civil services, alongside civilians for public contributions during the transition.

Struck in cupro-nickel and in silver, it measures 32mm in diameter, it is a scarce medal with a mintage of 15,000. The medal bears the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II inscribed QUEEN ELIZABETH II on the obverse and the Fiji coat of arms centered above the inscription "FIJI INDEPENDENCE 1970 on the reverse. It was presented suspended from a pale blue ribbon. The award's limited mintage contributes to its rarity and popularity among collectors.

Here is the Fiji Independence Medal with ribbon that was presented to personnel in the armed forces, police, prisons, and civil services, alongside civilians for public contributions.

Fiji was ceded to the United Kingdom by King Seru Epenisa Cakobau on October 10, 1874, through a Deed of Cession, establishing it as a British crown colony. Post-World War II decolonization pressures prompted Fiji's transition toward self-government in the 1960s. A final 1970 constitutional conference in London endorsed full independence which was achieved on October 10, 1970.

This unique steel obverse hub created the die that struck the 15,000 Fiji Independence Medals. It is 55mm wide and 41mm high with a weight of 755 grams. This hub belongs in a museum or collection of Great Britain coinage since it portrays Queen Elizabeth II, a numismatic collection of the British Commonwealth, in a collection of Fiji coinage, or in a collection of coin hubs and dies.

From the November 13, 1970 London Gazette:

Here is a similar uncancelled reverse die for a medal to commemorate servicemen who served in World War I. The dies and medals were produced at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia.

This is a reverse die for the World War I Victory Medal which was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, who had also designed the Buffalo nickel.

This medal was struck in bronze and is 36 millimeters in diameter. The obverse depicts a winged Victory holding a shield and sword. The reverse has the inscription THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILIZATION and the United States coat of arms along with the names of the Allied and Associated Nations.

It is amazing that this uncancelled reverse die from the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia has survived for over a century and belongs in a museum or a world class collection.

The medal was looped for a silk ribbon and additional bars could be attached to signify specific battles.

NGC has certified one unique example that was struck in gold and pedigreed to the Steve Tenenbaum Collection.