Samoan Currency in Use

One of the Central Bank's key obligations is to meet the currency needs of the public. Therefore, as the sole provider of the currency, it has to ensure that stocks of all currency denominations (notes and coins) are in adequate supply and of high quality to meet the transactional needs of the public. No other person is allowed to print or issue currency. And, it is an offence to deface any currency by means of writing, stamping, erasure or any other actions that would change the features of the currency.

Samoan $5 Tala

The Samoan $5 Tala bank note is red, multi-coloured and is made of polymer plastic. The front side of the bank note features our nation's beautiful well-known sandy beaches. This reflects the increasing importance of our limited pristine beach resources to the development of Samoa's main economic driver - the tourism industry. The reverse side of the bank note portrays the Vailima residence of world renowned Scottish author, Robert Louis Stevenson or Tusitala (Teller of Tales) as he was known to the people of Samoa.

Obverse (Portrait): Beautiful Sandy Beach in Samoa
Date of Issue: 01 Aug 2008
Reverse: Robert Louis Stevenson's Residence
Size (mm): 139x71mm

 
Samoan $10 Tala

The Samoan $10 Tala bank note is light blue, green, multi-coloured and is made of polymer plastic. The bank note commemorates Sports and Education in the Independent State of Samoa. The front of the bank note features Samoa's rugby sevens team's triumphant victory being crowned champions at the IRB Hong Kong Sevens in 2007. The reverse side of the bank note features Samoan school children on their way to school. They are seen as the future of our proud nation.

Obverse (Portrait): Hong Kong Sevens Champions 1997
Date of Issue: 01 Aug 2008
Reverse: Samoan School Children
Size (mm): 139x71mm

 
Samoan $20 Tala

The Samoan $20 Tala bank note is yellow, orange, multi-coloured and is made of polymer plastic. The bank note depicts Samoa's magnificent natural environment. The front side of the bank note features a beautiful cascading waterfall. The reverse side of the bank note features our nation's national bird, the Manumea and Samoa's national flower, the Teuila. These images portray the diversity and beauty of Samoa's natural environment to protect and treasure for generations to enjoy.

Obverse (Portrait): Beautiful cascading waterfall
Date of Issue: 01 Aug 2008
Reverse: Samoa's National Bird and Flower
Size (mm): 139x71mm

 
Samoan $50 Tala

The Samoan $50 Tala bank note is purple , multi-coloured and is made of polymer plastic. The bank note depicts political and economic maturity and stability. The front side of the bank note features the Government complex at Matagialalua, a symbol of the maturity of solidarity of Samoa's public administration and governance system. The reverse side of the bank note features the Central Bank of Samoa, the nation's institution in charge of monetary policy and the supervision of financial institutions in the country.

Obverse (Portrait): Government Building at Matagialalua
Date of Issue: 01 Aug 2008
Reverse: Central Bank of Samoa Building
Size (mm): 139x71mm

 
Samoan $100 Tala

The Samoan $100 Tala bank note is emerald green, multi-coloured and is made of polymer plastic. The bank note commemorates the life of the late Malietoa Tanumafili II, Head of State of Samoa from 1962 - 2007. The late Malietoa's life portrays the kindness, humility and respect, enshrined in the Samoan customs and traditions and was a symbolic icon of social stability. The reverse side of the bank note features the Mulivai Catholic Cathedral, one of the nation's oldest churches in the country. It is asignificant historical symbol of the religion of Christianity in Samoa representing the people's strong religious beliefs. An evident proud reminder to us of our guiding principle that 'Samoa is founded on God'.

Obverse (Portrait): HRH the late Malietoa Tanumafili II
Date of Issue: 01 Aug 2008
Reverse: The historical Mulivai Catholic Cathedral
Size (mm): 139x71mm