Silver Four Ounces 1994 Bird of Paradise, Coin from Papua New Guinea - detailed information

Silver Four Ounces 1994 Bird of Paradise, Coin from Papua New Guinea
CoinSilver Four Ounces 1994 Bird of Paradise

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, but are sometimes in non-standard sizes, such as this one.

This coin (which is roughly four ounces in size) is part of a three-coin series by Valcambi which re-creates the famous Bird of Paradise design of the first coins issued for New Guinea, on the occasion of the Centennial of New Guinea coinage (its 100th anniversary).

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.

MintValcambi Mint MarkNo mint mark Total Mintage 1,000
Obverse
Papua New Guinea / Silver Four Ounces 1994 Bird of Paradise - obverse photo

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.

On two lines below, the face value 25 Kina.

The emblem and denomination are surrounded by a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon.

Around above, the name of the country: PAPUA NEW GUINEA.

Around below, the anniversary dates 1894 · 1994.

Obverse Inscription PAPUA NEW GUINEA 25 Kina 1894 · 1994
Reverse
Papua New Guinea / Silver Four Ounces 1994 Bird of Paradise - reverse photo

Within a beaded border, the design depicts a Great Bird of Paradise perched on a branch, displaying its full plumage. The bird is in full colour.

There is no text or other decoration.

Reverse Inscription (none)
EdgeMilledEdge InscriptionNone
Notes

Silver content (troy oz): 4.0446 ASW
Finish: proof.
Packaging: in display box, with a Certificate of Authenticity.

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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Silver Four Ounces 1994 Bird of Paradise: Details
CountryPapua New Guinea
CurrencyKina
Coin TypeSilver Other Sizes
Issued1994
MonarchQueen Elizabeth II
SymbolEmblem of Papua New Guinea
Face Value25 (x Kina)
Total Mintage1,000
CurrentYes
Material0.925 Silver
DesignerOtto Schultz
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeRound
OrientationMedal Alignment (Axis 0)
Size63.0000 mm
Mass136.0000 g
OCC IDYRVP-OVRC-MNXA-ODQG
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Silver Four Ounces 1994 Bird of Paradise: Photos
ImageDetails
Silver Four Ounces 1994 Bird of Paradise: Photo Papua New Guinea 25 Kina, 1994, Bird of Paradise / thumbnail Papua New Guinea 25 Kina, 1994, Bird of Paradise
Copyright: NumisBids
Source
Silver Four Ounces 1994 Bird of Paradise: Photo Papua New Guinea 25 Kina, 1994, Bird of Paradise / thumbnail Papua New Guinea 25 Kina, 1994, Bird of Paradise
Copyright: NumisBids
Source
Silver Four Ounces 1994 Bird of Paradise: Catalogue Reference IDs
SourceReference ID
Krause, Standard Catalog of World CoinsPapua New Guinea KM# 36