Samoa is commemorating its 60th Anniversary of Independence with a limited edition, $60 Tālā banknote.
The Central Bank of Samoa has issued the special denomination note to celebrate Samoa’s Independence Day in 1962 while also looking forward to a progressive future—including leadership under the country’s first female Prime Minister.
A celebration of Samoa’s independence, history, and leadership
The artwork on the note pays tribute to a pioneering family of sorts in Samoa. The face of the banknote portrays Samoa’s first female Prime Minister, the Honourable Fiame Naomi Matāa’fa, who currently holds office. She joins a growing number of Famous Females on Banknotes. Her father, the first Prime Minister of independent Samoa, the Honourable Fiame Matāa’fa Faumuina Mulinuu II, is depicted on the reverse side.
The face of the new note features the current Prime Minister, Honourable Fiame Naomi Matāa’fa.
The reverse side of the banknote depicts Samoa’s first Prime Minister, the Honourable Fiame Matāa’fa Faumuina Mulinuu II, shown here lowering the flag of New Zealand.
Samoa’s anniversary logo with the theme “Folau ma le Fa’atuatua” (Swim with faith) and the Samoan state flag appear on both sides of the commemorative note.
Another notable feature of the new note is that it bears the signatures of two women: The Hon. Minister of Finance Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo, and the Governor of the Central Bank, Maiava Atalina Enari.
Modern security features
The 60 tala banknote is printed on a cotton paper substrate and includes security features to protect against counterfeiting. The security features include:
- A unique watermark design featuring a teuila flower (purple alpine) and the bank’s English acronym “CBS.”
- A blue/green 4.5mm IGNITE® security thread which depicts a Samoan Fue (a fly whisk) that pulses when tilted.
- Under UV light, GEMINI™ can be seen on the front of the note.
Valid as legal tender
The 60 tala commemorative banknote is valid as legal tender. Commercial banks began issuing the new banknote on May 31, 2023.
Sources/References:
Central Bank of Samoa
Notafilia
SamoaGlobalNews.com
MarketScreener.com
banknotenews.com
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