Central Bank of Samoa
2 Tala · Exemplary Specimen · Golden Jubilee of Malietoa Tanumafili II
Historical and Issue Context
A golden jubilee:The banknote was issued to commemorate the Golden Jubilee —the 50.° anniversary— of Malietoa Tanumafili II as Samoa’s Head of State (O le Ao o le Malo), a position he held from the country’s independence in 1962 until his death in 2007.1
The plastic note with the greatest permanence:placed in circulation in 1990/91, this 2 Tala became one of the world's longest-lived polymer banknotes, reprinted with minor variations at least seven times before its final withdrawal in 2011, when it was replaced by a 2 Tala coin.3
A sample copy:This particular specimen bears the official overprint “SPECIMEN” in red ink and numbering in zeros (or the block “SPECIMEN No 0899” on the reverse), reserved for the internal control of the central bank and never put into circulation as legal tender.
Key Details Visible on the Banknote
- Obverse:engraved portrait of Malietoa Tanumafili II (1913–2007); in the left background, a landscape with traditional circular dwellings (fale) before a coastal church.
- Reverse:Samoan community scene with a family and elders gathered in an open fale, on woven mats; top right, the Coat of Arms of Samoa (Christian cross on a starry map, surrounded by olive branches).
- Stylized polymer window:Transparent opening in the shape of a traditional Samoan fale or bowl, engraved in matte optical relief.
- Translucent Perfect Register:a white circular medallion in the left margin encloses a blue five-pointed star that aligns precisely when the note is held to the light.
- Specimen overprint:“SPECIMEN” text in red ink on the obverse and numbered “SPECIMEN No 0899” block on the reverse, alongside serial number “AAA 000000”.
- Color:blue, light green, yellow and multicolored terracotta undertones.
Notes
1. Wikipedia, “Samoan tālā”: “On 29 September 1991, a $2 note was issued to commemorate the Golden Jubilee (50th anniversary) of Malietoa Tanumafili II as head of state. It was the first and only fully polymer note issued by Samoa.”
2. Wikipedia, “Samoan tālā”: “These were withdrawn in 2011 and replaced with the 2-tālā coin.”
3. KOLEKSI WANG KERTAS, “Replacement banknote and polymer banknote”: “This banknote was placed in circulation and has the distinction of having the longest period [of circulation]… has been reprinted with minor variations at least 7 times.”
