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Security Features on Bank notes

The Central Bank of Samoa takes counterfeiting of Samoan currency which includes bank notes and coins very seriously and responds by researching and developing new security features that are difficult to copy and easy to use, work with local law enforcement to monitor and respond to counterfeiting activity and show Samoans, especially those who handle cash regularly, how to verify bank notes to ensure they are genuine.

Below are the security features used on circulating bank notes in Samoa.

SAMOA BANK NOTE SERIES

Watermark Portrait

Anti-folding Technology

Electrotype Text

Windowed Security Thread

See-Through Feature

Micro printing

Raised Ink (Intaglio)

Fluorescence

Serial Number

Colours

Example: Security Features of the $100 Tala Bank Note

	1. Watermark Portrait Hold the note to the light, and a small, ghost-like image of the Samoan head of State, Malietoa Tanumafili II appears. This watermark is embedded in the paper and can be seen from both sides of the note. If the note is not backlit, the watermark is not visible.
	2. Anti-fold Technology The Notes now have watermarked bars across their corners. This serves as a reinforcement against folded corners.
	3. Electrotype Text In addition to the watermark portrait is an electrotype, the Central Bank of Samoa's initials CBS, which shows as a light area in contrast to the dark tonality of the portrait watermark.
	4. Window Security Thread The new thread contains the text 'CBS'. This is visible from either side of the note when it is held up to the light. The thread is also windowed, which means that dashes of silver are visible on the front of the note, which show as a continuous line when the note is held up to the light.
	5. See-through Feature The Samoan flag is printed in perfect register on either side of the notes. To the right of the flag on the back is a star shape surrounding the watermark area. When held up to the light, this fills with colour from the front of the note.
	6. Micro printing On the reverse of the 50 Tala and 100 Tala denominations, there is a small, clearly defined minute line of text that can only be seen under a magnifying glass. It should read 'Central Bank of Samoa' across the top of the note.
	7. Raised Print (Intaglio) If you run your fingers across the 'Faletupe Tutotonu O Samoa' title, it should feel crisp and raised from the paper and thicker to the touch.
	8. Fluorescence Place the note under UV light, fluorescent denomination numerals will appear on genuine notes.
	9. Serial Number A one-letter prefix followed by a six-digit number is printed twice on the bank of each note.
	10. Colours Some colours are difficult to reproduce; you may notice a difference in tone when comparing a suspect note with a genuine note.

Other Bank notes with security features

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