Papua New Guinea has issued its circulating currency, the Kina, since 1975 (it was introduced even before the country gained formal independence).
In 2022, the country issued bullion coins for the first time, including in the one ounce of silver format. The coins have a nominal face value of 1 Kina, but their intrinsic value is much higher; they are targeted at bullion investors. The design features a bird of paradise, which was first depicted on the coinage of German New Guinea in 1894, and is now shown on the Emblem of Papua 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. |