Port Moresby, Monday 28th April 2025 – Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Justin Tkatchenko MP on Monday joined Prime Minister Hon. James Marape MP and Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea Elizabeth Genia in the official launching of the new K50 note and 50 toea coin to commemorate the 50th Independence Anniversary. 

As the Minister responsible for the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, Minister Tkatchenko and his team from the National Events started discussions and preparations with the Bank of PNG Officials for the new K50 notes and 50 toea coins since last year. 

He explained that the original feature of the face of Grand Chief Late Sir Michael Somare still remains, but the new features have been included on flip side of the K50 note. 

The K50 bank note, and a 50 toea coin will enter circulation in August ahead of the Independence Day in September. 

The names Kina and Toea were carefully chosen; kina and toea continue to serve as icons of PNG independence. The kina a prized pearl shell symbolised wealth and status. The toea a smaller shell used in everyday transactions. 

The new features in the K50 note includes the Sepik Blue orchid, Queen Alexandra Birdwing Butterfly, largest species of its kind in the world represents PNG’s extra ordinary diversity in its flora and fauna.  

The 50th anniversary incorporates traditional symbols while reflecting the modernisation of PNG. 

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