The routinely used version of the coat of arms is split into four quarter sections.

The three islands of Tonga are represented by three stars in the upper left quadrant.

The general idea of peace is shown by a white dove and olive branch in the bottom left.

Lastly, the bottom right has three swords that showcase the three monastical family lines that have ruled the nation.

In addition to this crest, two flags, a laurel wreath, and another crown are featured behind, with the nation's motto Ko e 'otua mo Tonga ko hoku tofi'a (God and Tonga are my inheritance) written below.