Papua New Guinea 12 Kina Commemorative Banknote – 9th South Pacific Games (1992)

In 1992, the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) issued a special 12 Kina commemorative banknote to celebrate the 9th South Pacific Games, which were hosted in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. This was a historic event as it was the first time Papua New Guinea hosted the games, bringing together athletes from across the Pacific region.

The 12 Kina denomination was unique, as it was not a standard value in the country’s currency system. It was specifically issued for this occasion, making it one of the most distinctive commemorative banknotes in Papua New Guinea’s history.

The front side of the banknote featured a stylized design incorporating traditional patterns, the official emblem of the 9th South Pacific Games, and the Papua New Guinea Parliament House. This combination represented both the country’s cultural heritage and modern governance. The bank’s logo was also prominently displayed to mark its role in the country’s financial system.

The reverse side depicted various sports included in the South Pacific Games, symbolizing unity, athletic excellence, and regional cooperation among Pacific nations. The background patterns reflected traditional designs, emphasizing Papua New Guinea’s cultural identity.

This commemorative 12 Kina note was legal tender, meaning it could be used in transactions, but due to its limited issuance and unique denomination, it was primarily kept as a collector’s item.

How Many Pieces Were Printed?

The Bank of Papua New Guinea issued only 2 million pieces of the 1992 12 Kina commemorative banknote. This limited release made it a rare and valuable item, particularly for numismatists and collectors interested in both sporting history and currency.

As a result, well-preserved copies of this banknote have become highly sought after, often increasing in value over time.

Technology

The 1992 Papua New Guinea 12 Kina commemorative banknote featured several advanced security and design elements, ensuring both authenticity and durability:

• Intaglio Printing – Raised ink printing on certain areas, such as text and images, creating a textured feel that enhances security.
• Watermark – A built-in watermark of a bird of paradise, visible when held against light, to authenticate the note.
• Security Thread – A metallic security thread embedded in the note, protecting it from counterfeiting.
• Microprinting – Tiny, intricate text only visible under magnification, preventing replication by counterfeiters.
• Ultraviolet (UV) Ink – Special ink used in some areas of the note that becomes visible under UV light to verify authenticity.
• Color-Shifting Ink – Some design elements changed color when viewed from different angles, making forgery more difficult.

The 1992 Papua New Guinea 12 Kina commemorative banknote was a historic and unique issue, celebrating the 9th South Pacific Games and the country’s role as host. With only 2 million pieces printed, it remains a highly collectible item, valued for its unusual denomination, cultural significance, and advanced security features. This banknote not only marked an important sporting event in the Pacific region but also showcased Papua New Guinea’s progress in modern banknote technology and design.