Papua New Guinea gained independence in September 1975, and the kina itself was introduced shortly before that — in April 1975 — replacing the Australian dollar at par. This note belongs to the first substantive series issued under the new central bank, and Thomas De La Rue's involvement was essentially a continuation of the colonial-era relationship: De La Rue had been printing currency for the Territory of Papua New Guinea under Australian administration. The handover of monetary authority changed the issuing name on the note; the London press relationship stayed intact.
P#4 is notably scarce in circulated grades, largely because the 20 kina denomination saw limited everyday use in a cash economy dominated by smaller values.
Papua New Guinea gained independence in September 1975, and the kina itself was introduced shortly before that — in April 1975 — replacing the Australian dollar at par. This note belongs to the first substantive series issued under the new central bank, and Thomas De La Rue's involvement was essentially a continuation of the colonial-era relationship: De La Rue had been printing currency for the Territory of Papua New Guinea under Australian administration. The handover of monetary authority changed the issuing name on the note; the London press relationship stayed intact.
P#4 is notably scarce in circulated grades, largely because the 20 kina denomination saw limited everyday use in a cash economy dominated by smaller values.