COMMEMORATIVE K50 NOTE AND 50 TOEA COIN NOW IN CIRCULATION; K100 NOTE TO BE RELEASED IN 2026
By Ricky ISRAEL
THE Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) has officially released 20 million special K50 banknotes and 2.5 million 50 toea coins into circulation.
The new commemorative currency marks PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
The commemorative currency was launched last Thursday in Port Moresby and entered circulation on Friday last week inclusive of the K50 bank note, 50 toea coin and the K100 bank note which will be released next year.
The K100 note features and honour the Late Sir Julius Chan and will be in circulation next year.
The K50 note was printed in Australia using high-quality polymer and advanced security features, and includes a new design with the Bird of Paradise in flight, the national orchid, and the Queen Alexandra’s birdwing butterfly.
A portrait of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare remains on the note.
It also features a special 50th anniversary logo, designed by Samuel Uge, who won a national design competition.
This is a one-time print, meaning no more of this special note will be made.
The 50 toea coin is also unique with features of the PNG flag and gold-plated highlights.
It was produced by the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra and is expected to stay in use for many years.
BPNG says collector’s editions of both the coin and the note are also available but are not for general circulation.
The bank says this is the first major redesign of commemorative currency since the 2018 APEC note whilst also adding that this release celebrates 50 years of both independence and the nation’s own currency.
The public can now find the commemorative K50 and 50 toea in banks and shops across the country.
The commemorative currency was unveiled on 28 and 29 August in a series of events led by Prime Minister James Marape and Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) Governor Elizabeth Genia.
During the launching, Prime Minister Marape urged citizens to embrace them as reminders of unity and vision.
“May this currency inspire us to work harder for the prosperity of our country, as our founding fathers did fifty years ago. May God bless Papua New Guinea,” Marape said.
