Abuja, Sept. 29, 2010 President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday launched the redesigned N50 commemorative note and non-circulating coins to mark the 50 years of Nigeria as an independent State.

President Goodluck Jonathan, today, formally launched the N50 commemorative notes and non circulating coins, as part of activities to mark Nigeria's 50th independence anniversary.

The new note is expected to exist side by side with the old one, while the coins will serve as souvenirs during the anniversary.

The launch was done during a brief Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which lasted for just about 48 minutes, and was presided over by the president.

While speaking at the occasion, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, stated that the new note, which is designed to commemorate the anniversary, is obviously the same with the circulating N50.

The only difference, he noted, is the addition of the 50th anniversary logo, a gold iridescent band, and a goodwill message written in varnish.

“The new note will circulate side by side with the existing N50 polymer notes. While some of the commemorative coins are produced in 22 carat gold, others are gold plated silver.” - Courtesy NEXT