Prime Minister James Marape and Elizabeth Genia, Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea, announced the issuance of a new 50-kina commemorative banknote on April 28, 2025. This banknote will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea's independence and the 50th anniversary of the country's national currency. The unveiling ceremony, held at the APEC Haus, highlighted the cultural and historical significance of the kina and toea.

 

Ms. Genia stated in her address: "Today, we mark these events with the unveiling of two commemorative designs: a 50 Kina banknote and a 50 Toea coin, both of which will enter circulation in August ahead of Independence Day . As we reflect on the significance of today's occasion, it's worth remembering that the creation of Papua New Guinea's own currency was a foundational step in our journey to independence. In the early 1970s, as our country prepared for self-government, our leaders recognized that true independence required more than political change; it demanded economic sovereignty."
"The names Kina and Toea were carefully chosen:
"They were not imposed or borrowed. They came from us.
"For generations, these shell currencies were trusted mediums of exchange in our communities.
"The Kina, a prized pearl shell, symbolized wealth and status.
"The Toea, a smaller shell denomination, was used in everyday transactions.
"By naming our currency after these traditional forms of exchange, our leaders embedded our economic identity in the heart of Papua New Guinean culture."

 

 

 

 

Ms. Genia announced that the K50 notes and 50 toea coins are currently being printed/minted in Australia by the central bank's long-time partners, Note Printing Australia and Royal Australian Mint. She further announced that the issuance of 20 million commemorative K50 notes and 20 million 50 Toea coins will begin on August 28, 2025.