New K50 note and 50t coin to be used starting tomorrow

Papua New Guineans will begin using the newly designed K50 note and 50 toea coin tomorrow, issued by the Bank of Papua New Guinea to commemorate the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

According to the Central Bank, two million K50 notes and 2.5 million 50t coins will enter circulation immediately.

The new K50 note retains the image of Parliament House, continues to honour the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, and features a golden 50th anniversary emblem with the Raggiana bird of paradise in flight, symbolising the nation’s progress into the future.

The redesigned 50t coin maintains its iconic seven-sided shape and national crest but now carries a coloured inlay of the Papua New Guinea flag, representing unity and progress.

BPNG Governor Elizabeth Genia said the designs were chosen not only to celebrate the country’s golden jubilee but also to tell the story of how our country and currency have evolved over time.

Genia also announced that in 2026, the bank will issue a redesigned K100 note featuring Sir Julius Chan, another founding father of the nation.

The new currency was officially launched this evening at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby, witnessed by Prime Minister James Marape and other dignitaries.