Description
The tālā peso is the official currency of Samoa. The official currency symbol: $. The currency’s name is the equivalent of dollar and cent in the Samoan language. Following the country’s political independence from New Zealand in 1962, the tālā was established in 1967. Samoa had previously used the pound alongside New Zealand coins and its own banknotes. After the country changed its official name to Samoa, removing the word “Western” in 1997, the symbol WS $ is still used for tālā, given the reference to the old name ‘Western Samoa’. In addition, the currency uses the symbols SAT, ST and T are also in use.
The Bank of Western Samoa introduced the first banknotes in denominations of 1, 5, and 10 tālā. Then in 1985, the new Central Bank of Samoa introduced new notes in denominations of 50 tālā, followed by the 100 tālā note in 1990 and the 2 tālā note in 1991. In 2008, a new series of banknotes were introduced in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 tālā. Today, the Central Bank of Samoa is in charge of issuing and regulating the Samoan currency.
The 10 Samoan tālā commemorative note front design features a view of different athletes; boat racing, weightlifting, and rugby. The design is completed with the XVI Pacific Games in Samoa logo and the National Coat of Arm.
The reverse of the note presents children practicing sports from elements made from coconut; weightlifting and rugby and rowing a traditional canoe. The design is completed with a beach landscape in the background and the XVI Pacific Games in Samoa logo. The lettering of the note is presented in the Samoan and English language. This note is part of the 2019 commemorative series: ‘’XVI Pacific Games in Samoa’’. Its color is light blue and multicolor.
Text: FALETUPE TUTOTONU O SAMOA TUPE FA’ATAGAINA-MALO O SAMOA Legal Tender In Samoa SEFULU TALA Ten Tala, Central Bank of Samoa, FALETUPE TUTOTONU O SEFULU TALA Ten Tala Central Bank of Samoa, One in Spirit | Tasi i le Agaga