| Coin | Gold Ounce 2020 Bird of Paradise |
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Papua New Guinea has issued its circulating currency, the Kina, since 1975 (it was introduced even before the country gained formal independence).
The country also authorises some foreign mints to issue Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) coins under its jurisdiction. These coins are usually in popular international collector formats, such as one troy ounce (1oz) of gold.
This coin is part of a Commonwealth Mint range which re-creates the famous Bird of Paradise design of the first coins issued for New Guinea.
Birds of paradise are exotic birds of which a total of 41 species are known. They belong to the order of passerine birds (Passeriformes) within the family Paradisaeidae and are mainly native to New Guinea. The males are distinguished by their particularly colourful plumage and have always been considered a great source of inspiration - not only for the local population, but also for artists around the world. The bird features both on the national emblem of the country and on its flag.
The Bird of Paradise was depicted on the coinage issued by the German "Neu-Guinea Compagnie" (New Guinea Company) in 1894 and 1895 for the colony of German New Guinea; these coins remained legal tender there until 1911, when they were replaced by regular German imperial coinage. The depiction of the bird by Berlin Mint designer Otto Schultz (best known for his portrait of South African president Paul Kruger, still used on the Krugerrand), makes the coins - like the 20 Marks - arguably the most beautiful gold coin ever issued. |
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin features the national emblem of Papua New Guinea: a bird of paradise with outstretched wings and broadly fanned tail feathers, over a traditional native ceremonial spear and an hourglass-shaped wooden "kundu" drum.
Around above, the name of the country: PAPUA NEW GUINEA.
Divided by the emblem, the date of issue: 2020.
Around below, the face value K 500 (five hundred Kina). |
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| Reverse | |
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Within a beaded border, the design depicts a Great Bird of Paradise perched on a branch, displaying its full plumage.
There is no text or other decoration. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
(none) |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Finish: Proof FDC (all coins issued for sale by the mint have been graded by PCGS as PR70).
Packaging: in display box, with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Mintage comprised of 400 mirror-like proofs and 100 matte proofs. |
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| See also |
The Bird of Paradise design has been issued and re-issued as:
- German New Guinea, 5 Marks (Silver), 1894
- German New Guinea, 2 Marks (Silver), 1894
- German New Guinea, 1 Mark (Silver), 1894
- German New Guinea, 1/2 Mark (Silver), 1894
- German New Guinea, 10 Pfennig (Copper), 1894
- German New Guinea, 20 Marks (Gold), 1895
- German New Guinea, 10 Marks (Gold), 1895
- Papua New Guinea, 1/4 oz Gold Proof (50 Kina), 1994
- Papua New Guinea, 4 oz Silver Proof (25 Kina), 1994
- Papua New Guinea, 1 oz Silver Proof (5 Kina), 1994
- Papua New Guinea, 1 oz Gold Proof (500 Kina), 2020
- Papua New Guinea, 1/4 oz Gold Proof (100 Kina), 2020
- Papua New Guinea, 1 kg Silver Proof (200 Kina), 2020
- Papua New Guinea, 5 oz Silver Proof (50 Kina), 2020
- Papua New Guinea, 2 oz Silver Proof (20 Kina), 2020
- Papua New Guinea, 1 oz Silver Proof (10 Kina), 2020
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