PYONGYANG - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will issue commemorative gold and silver coins to mark the 20th anniversary of Kim Jong-il's assumption of the supreme commandership of the Korean People's Army (KPA).

The move was approved by the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly on December 13, the official news agency, KCNA, said on Saturday.

The portrait of a smiling Kim Jong-il in marshal's uniform will appear on the front of the coins with the words, "The 20th anniversary of great Comrade Kim Jong-il's assumption of the supreme commandership of the KPA."

The back of the coins will be engraved with the star of marshal at the center and "DPRK Central Bank" around the top.

The gold coin, made of pure gold, will be 35 millimeters in diameter and 2 mm thick, while the silver one, made of pure silver, will be 40 mm in diameter and 3 mm thick.

Kim Jong-il died on December17, 2011. He was elected as the supreme commander of the KPA on December24, 1991.