...Papua New Guines - 50 Kina ND2023 Polymer Commemorative 50th Year of Self-Governing/Independence

   Independent State of Papua New Guinea

Bank of Papua New Guinea (est.1973)

Currency - Kina (PGK)

 

Here is a 50 kina nd2023 polymer commemorative note issued for the celebration of the 50th year of self-governing and independence 1973 - 2023. 

 

Papua New Guinea (PNG) was first occupied by Germany (only the northern part) in 1884, and by the British in the southern part of the island. The country was then given to Australia to administer following the end of the First World War in 1918 when Germany was defeated. On 01.12.1973, the country was granted self-rule by the Australian and Sir Michael Somare (b.1936-2021) became the first Chief Minister. Independence was then achieved on 16.09.1975 and Michael Somare became the first Prime Minister. Michael Somare was also the longest serving Prime Minister of PNG for 17 years over three separate terms, from 1975 to 1980; 1982 to 1985, and from 2002 to 2011. He retired from politics in 2017, and in PNG, he is known as the Father of the Nation. For all banknotes issued since 1975, Michael Somare is the only person to have his portrait appear on the banknotes. His portrait first appeared on the banknote (50 kina only) in 1989.

Fifty Kina

National Parliament building

 

Front - An image of the country's National Parliament in the center. To the top left is the National Crest

 

Governor - Elizabeth Genia* (tenure 2023-)

Secretary, Department of Treasury - Andrew F Oaeke (tenure 2021-)

Dimensions - 146mm x 70.5mm

Back - Portrait of Sir Michael Somare. To his right are Headdress and marks from the regions of:-

1) Bainings (Esat New Britain);

2) The Orokolo (Gulf Province);

3) The Huli (Southern Highlands Province);

4) The Tubuan (East New Britain Province);

5) A West Sepik and a Malagan Mask (New Ireland Province)

6) Karkar spears and Tapa (Oro Province); and

7) Mekeo (Central Province) and Siassi (Morobe Province)

 

Note* - First female bank governor appointed since the Bank of Papua New Guinea was established in 1973.

Sir Michael Somare (b.1936-2021)