Papua New Guinea 1981 2 toea
This specimen was lot 74871 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2023), where it sold for $100. The catalog description[1] noted, "PAPUA NEW GUINEA. 2 Toea, 1981. PCGS SPECIMEN-68 Red. Blazing mint red luster throughout and a near-Perfect striking. From the Kings Norton Mint Collection." This type was struck 1975-84, 1987, 1990, 1995-96, 2001-04 to the module of the Australian two cents. All the proofs of 1983 and before were made by the Franklin Mint. Dutch and Portuguese explorers surveyed New Guinea but, deterred by harsh terrain and hostile natives, made no attempt to settle. The eastern half of the island was partitioned between Germany and Australia in the 1890's; the German portion was seized by Australia on the outbreak of World War One. New Guinea was the scene of fierce fighting in World War Two but reverted to Australian rule after the war. Papua New Guinea, which includes New Britain and other islands, was granted her independence in 1975.
Recorded mintage: unknown but common.
Specification: 4.10 g, bronze, 21.6 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-2.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, November 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancient & World Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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