Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea offers a rich numismatic history, spanning from traditional payment methods to modern currencies. Before colonial times, cowrie shells and other shell currencies were used in Papua New Guinea. The German colonial era introduced the New Guinea Mark from 1894 to 1911, minted by the New Guinea Company. The coins often featured the bird of paradise motif. Today, the kina is the official currency, introduced in 1975.
The history of coinage in Papua New Guinea was significantly influenced by colonial rule. The New Guinea Company minted coins to address the currency shortage in the colony. With the takeover by the German Empire, these coins were withdrawn in 1911. In modern times, traditional shell money of the Tolai is still recognized as a complementary currency.
Nominal Values and Motifs of New Guinea Coins
- Copper coins: 1, 2, 10 New Guinea pfennig with palm fronds
- Silver coins: ½, 1, 2, 5 New Guinea mark with bird of paradise
- Gold coins: 10 and 20 New Guinea mark with bird of paradise
