Samoan tala
Encyclopedia
The tālā is the currency
of Samoa
. It is divided into 100 sene. The terms tālā and sene are the equivalents or transliteration
of the English words dollar and cent, in the Samoan language
.
The tālā was introduced in 1967, following the country's political independence from New Zealand
in 1962. Until that time, Samoa had used the pound, with coins from New Zealand and its own banknotes. The tālā replaced the pound at a rate of 2 tālā = 1 pound, and was therefore equal to the New Zealand dollar
. The tālā remained equal to the New Zealand dollar until 1975.
The symbol WS$ is still used for the tālā, representing the country's previous name Western Samoa, used up to 1997, when the word Western was officially removed and the country became known as just Samoa. Therefore, the symbol SAT, ST and T appear to be in use as well.
Sometimes figures are written with the dollar sign in front, followed by "tālā". e.g. $100 tālā.
The Samoan currency is issued and regulated by the Central Bank of Samoa
.
, or Western Samoa.
Previous to 1967, New Zealand Coins were used in Western Samoa, circulating along side locally issued banknotes.
In 1967, four years after independence, new coins and notes were introduced replacing the New Zealand Pound as the official currency. Coins were introduced in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 50 Sene and $1 in equal size to the coins of New Zealand
. 1 and 2 Sene coins were struck in bronze, while the higher denominations were struck in cupro-nickel. All featured the national emblem on the reverse and the Head of State Malietoa Tanumafili
on the obverse.
In 1974, a new coin series was introduced, designed by James Bass with a theme centered around locally grown food plants. The edges of the 50 cent coin were also changed from alternating plain and reeded to only reeded. In 1984, a seven sided 1 Tala coin was introduced in aluminum bronze to replace the note. The coin depicted the state emblem on the reverse. Although $1 Tala pieces had been introduced in earlier years, this coin's bulky size and weight along with the favored use of the equivalent banknote never saw to popular and widespread use.
In 2000, a commemorative 2 cent coin was released commemorating the 21st century with a FAO
theme.
The 1974-2011 series featured as follows:
1 Sene: Coconut
2 Sene: Cocoa Pods
5 Sene: Pineapple
10 Sene: Taro plant
20 Sene: Breadfruit
50 Sene: Banana Tree
$1 Tala (1974): Palm Tree
$1 Tala (1984): National Crest
In 2011, the 1 and 2 and 5 Sene coins were withdrawn from circulation as production costs exceeded production and their use in circulation had diminished significantly over the years. A new coin series was also introduced with reduced sizes and new shapes to reduce production costs and to reflect a more modern, streamlined Samoa. The new coins feature the current head of state and are themed around local culture. The new coin series also includes a new scalloped edge $2 Tala struck in bronze plated steel intended to replace the note. The $1 Tala is also struck in bronze plated steel and retains its original seven sided shape but smaller. The reduced 5, 10, 20, and 50 Sene are struck in nickel plated steel. As Samoan coins are prone to heavy wear and use, the designs and composition were also studied and chosen with this in mind.
The 2011- Series depict as follows:
10 Sene: Fautasi Canoe racers
20 Sene: Teuila Flower
50 Sene: Manumea Bird
1 tala: Kava Bowl and Fly Swatter
2 tala: National Crest
Banknotes of the Territory of Western Samoa, now the Independent State of Samoa, were issued by the Authority of the New Zealand Government, which governed the islands up until 1962. In 1915, the first provisional notes (dated 1914, but issued 1915) were issued by the New Zealand Occupying Military force. These were overprinted one pound and five pound notes of the Bank of New Zealand signed by Lt. Colonel Logan and overprinted 10 shillings notes were added in 1920. In 1922, Treasury Notes were issued “by the authority of the New Zealand Government” in denominations of 10 shillings and one and five pounds. They were issued until 1961, when the Bank of Western Samoa took over paper money issuance. Its first issues were overprints on the Treasury Notes. In 1963, regular type notes were introduced in the same denominations.
Tala banknotes were first issued in 1967 in denominations of 1, 5, and 10 Tala by the "Bank of Western Samoa."
In 1980, a 5 Tala note was issued shortly after the "Monetary Board of Western Samoa" was formulated.
A 20 Tala note was introduced in 1985 by the new Central Bank of Samoa
followed by 50 and 100 Tala notes in 1990.
In 1984, the 1 Tala was withdrawn from circulation and replaced with a coin.
In 1990, a Polymer 2 Tala was introduced, replacing the cotton notes to compensate for heavy wear and use. These were withdrawn in 2011 and replaced with a coin.
In 2008 a new series in denominations of 5-100 Tala produced by De La Rue
was introduced with brighter colors, new security features, and modern designs.
The two highest denominations (50 and 100 tālā) are protected with De La Rue's Optiks security thread which features a see-through window.
Currency
In economics, currency refers to a generally accepted medium of exchange. These are usually the coins and banknotes of a particular government, which comprise the physical aspects of a nation's money supply...
of Samoa
Samoa
Samoa , officially the Independent State of Samoa, formerly known as Western Samoa is a country encompassing the western part of the Samoan Islands in the South Pacific Ocean. It became independent from New Zealand in 1962. The two main islands of Samoa are Upolu and one of the biggest islands in...
. It is divided into 100 sene. The terms tālā and sene are the equivalents or transliteration
Transliteration
Transliteration is a subset of the science of hermeneutics. It is a form of translation, and is the practice of converting a text from one script into another...
of the English words dollar and cent, in the Samoan language
Samoan language
Samoan Samoan Samoan (Gagana Sāmoa, is the language of the Samoan Islands, comprising the independent country of Samoa and the United States territory of American Samoa. It is an official language—alongside English—in both jurisdictions. Samoan, a Polynesian language, is the first language for most...
.
The tālā was introduced in 1967, following the country's political independence from New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
in 1962. Until that time, Samoa had used the pound, with coins from New Zealand and its own banknotes. The tālā replaced the pound at a rate of 2 tālā = 1 pound, and was therefore equal to the New Zealand dollar
New Zealand dollar
The New Zealand dollar is the currency of New Zealand. It also circulates in the Cook Islands , Niue, Tokelau, and the Pitcairn Islands. It is divided into 100 cents....
. The tālā remained equal to the New Zealand dollar until 1975.
The symbol WS$ is still used for the tālā, representing the country's previous name Western Samoa, used up to 1997, when the word Western was officially removed and the country became known as just Samoa. Therefore, the symbol SAT, ST and T appear to be in use as well.
Sometimes figures are written with the dollar sign in front, followed by "tālā". e.g. $100 tālā.
The Samoan currency is issued and regulated by the Central Bank of Samoa
Central Bank of Samoa
The Central Bank of Samoa is the central bank of Samoa. Situated in the capital Apia beside the main government buildings, the bank issues the Samoan currency, the Samoan tālā as well as regulating and managing the exchange rate with foreign currencies...
.
Coins
The Tālā is the currency of SamoaSamoa
Samoa , officially the Independent State of Samoa, formerly known as Western Samoa is a country encompassing the western part of the Samoan Islands in the South Pacific Ocean. It became independent from New Zealand in 1962. The two main islands of Samoa are Upolu and one of the biggest islands in...
, or Western Samoa.
Previous to 1967, New Zealand Coins were used in Western Samoa, circulating along side locally issued banknotes.
In 1967, four years after independence, new coins and notes were introduced replacing the New Zealand Pound as the official currency. Coins were introduced in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 50 Sene and $1 in equal size to the coins of New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. 1 and 2 Sene coins were struck in bronze, while the higher denominations were struck in cupro-nickel. All featured the national emblem on the reverse and the Head of State Malietoa Tanumafili
Malietoa Tanumafili
Malietoa Tanumafili may refer to:*Malietoa Tanumafili I , Samoan leader*Malietoa Tanumafili II , Samoan leader who succeeded his father...
on the obverse.
In 1974, a new coin series was introduced, designed by James Bass with a theme centered around locally grown food plants. The edges of the 50 cent coin were also changed from alternating plain and reeded to only reeded. In 1984, a seven sided 1 Tala coin was introduced in aluminum bronze to replace the note. The coin depicted the state emblem on the reverse. Although $1 Tala pieces had been introduced in earlier years, this coin's bulky size and weight along with the favored use of the equivalent banknote never saw to popular and widespread use.
In 2000, a commemorative 2 cent coin was released commemorating the 21st century with a FAO
Fão
Fão is a town in Esposende Municipality in Portugal....
theme.
The 1974-2011 series featured as follows:
1 Sene: Coconut
2 Sene: Cocoa Pods
5 Sene: Pineapple
10 Sene: Taro plant
20 Sene: Breadfruit
50 Sene: Banana Tree
$1 Tala (1974): Palm Tree
$1 Tala (1984): National Crest
In 2011, the 1 and 2 and 5 Sene coins were withdrawn from circulation as production costs exceeded production and their use in circulation had diminished significantly over the years. A new coin series was also introduced with reduced sizes and new shapes to reduce production costs and to reflect a more modern, streamlined Samoa. The new coins feature the current head of state and are themed around local culture. The new coin series also includes a new scalloped edge $2 Tala struck in bronze plated steel intended to replace the note. The $1 Tala is also struck in bronze plated steel and retains its original seven sided shape but smaller. The reduced 5, 10, 20, and 50 Sene are struck in nickel plated steel. As Samoan coins are prone to heavy wear and use, the designs and composition were also studied and chosen with this in mind.
The 2011- Series depict as follows:
10 Sene: Fautasi Canoe racers
20 Sene: Teuila Flower
50 Sene: Manumea Bird
1 tala: Kava Bowl and Fly Swatter
2 tala: National Crest
Treasury Notes
Pound and Shilling Treasury Notes were issued from 1920 to 1963 as the Western Samoan Pound at par with the New Zealand Pound.Banknotes of the Territory of Western Samoa, now the Independent State of Samoa, were issued by the Authority of the New Zealand Government, which governed the islands up until 1962. In 1915, the first provisional notes (dated 1914, but issued 1915) were issued by the New Zealand Occupying Military force. These were overprinted one pound and five pound notes of the Bank of New Zealand signed by Lt. Colonel Logan and overprinted 10 shillings notes were added in 1920. In 1922, Treasury Notes were issued “by the authority of the New Zealand Government” in denominations of 10 shillings and one and five pounds. They were issued until 1961, when the Bank of Western Samoa took over paper money issuance. Its first issues were overprints on the Treasury Notes. In 1963, regular type notes were introduced in the same denominations.
Banknotes
After independence, finance was taken over by the new government and a new currency called the Tala was issued.Tala banknotes were first issued in 1967 in denominations of 1, 5, and 10 Tala by the "Bank of Western Samoa."
In 1980, a 5 Tala note was issued shortly after the "Monetary Board of Western Samoa" was formulated.
A 20 Tala note was introduced in 1985 by the new Central Bank of Samoa
Central Bank of Samoa
The Central Bank of Samoa is the central bank of Samoa. Situated in the capital Apia beside the main government buildings, the bank issues the Samoan currency, the Samoan tālā as well as regulating and managing the exchange rate with foreign currencies...
followed by 50 and 100 Tala notes in 1990.
In 1984, the 1 Tala was withdrawn from circulation and replaced with a coin.
In 1990, a Polymer 2 Tala was introduced, replacing the cotton notes to compensate for heavy wear and use. These were withdrawn in 2011 and replaced with a coin.
In 2008 a new series in denominations of 5-100 Tala produced by De La Rue
De La Rue
De La Rue plc is a British security printing, papermaking and cash handling systems company headquartered in Basingstoke, Hampshire. It also has a factory on the Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, and other facilities at Loughton, Essex and Bathford, Somerset...
was introduced with brighter colors, new security features, and modern designs.
The two highest denominations (50 and 100 tālā) are protected with De La Rue's Optiks security thread which features a see-through window.
| Banknotes series 2008 | |||||||
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| Image | Value | Dimensions (mm) | Composition colour | Description | Year |
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| Obverse | Reverse | Obverse | Reverse | ||||
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Plastic A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids used in the manufacture of industrial products. Plastics are typically polymers of high molecular mass, and may contain other substances to improve performance and/or reduce production costs... |
Blue Blue is a colour, the perception of which is evoked by light having a spectrum dominated by energy with a wavelength of roughly 440–490 nm. It is considered one of the additive primary colours. On the HSV Colour Wheel, the complement of blue is yellow; that is, a colour corresponding to an equal... , yellow Yellow Yellow is the color evoked by light that stimulates both the L and M cone cells of the retina about equally, with no significant stimulation of the S cone cells. Light with a wavelength of 570–590 nm is yellow, as is light with a suitable mixture of red and green... |
O le Ao o le Malo O le Ao o le Malo is the Samoan head of state, which is the title's rough translation.... of Samoa + View of the capital Apia |
Architecture of Samoa The architecture of Samoa is characterised by openness, with the design mirroring the culture and life of the Samoan people who inhabit the Samoa Islands. Architectural concepts are incorporated into Samoan proverbs, oratory and metaphors, as well as linking to other art forms in Samoa, such as... ). |
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Red Red is any of a number of similar colors evoked by light consisting predominantly of the longest wavelengths of light discernible by the human eye, in the wavelength range of roughly 630–740 nm. Longer wavelengths than this are called infrared , and cannot be seen by the naked eye... , Pink Pink Pink is a mixture of red and white. Commonly used for Valentine's Day and Easter, pink is sometimes referred to as "the color of love." The use of the word for the color known today as pink was first recorded in the late 17th century.... |
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Vailima (Samoa) Vailima is the name of a village about four kilometers south of Apia, the capital of Samoa. The population is 1,462 . Vailima is part of the electoral political district Tuamasaga.... , former residence of Robert Louis Stevenson Robert Louis Stevenson Robert Louis Balfour Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, poet, essayist and travel writer. His best-known books include Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.... in Mount Vaea Mount Vaea Mount Vaea is a 472m summit overlooking Apia, the capital of Samoa located on the north central coast of Upolu island. The mountain is situated south about 3 km inland from Apia township and harbour... , Samoa |
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Blue Blue is a colour, the perception of which is evoked by light having a spectrum dominated by energy with a wavelength of roughly 440–490 nm. It is considered one of the additive primary colours. On the HSV Colour Wheel, the complement of blue is yellow; that is, a colour corresponding to an equal... , green Green Green is a color, the perception of which is evoked by light having a spectrum dominated by energy with a wavelength of roughly 520–570 nanometres. In the subtractive color system, it is not a primary color, but is created out of a mixture of yellow and blue, or yellow and cyan; it is considered... |
Samoa national rugby union team (sevens) The Samoa national rugby union team represent Samoa internationally in rugby sevens, a competitive sports tournament titled the IRB Sevens World Series which takes place annually in seven countries; United Arab Emirates, South Africa, New Zealand, United States, Hong Kong, Australia, England and... , national rugby union Rugby union Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand... team, winning the Hong Kong Sevens Hong Kong Sevens The Hong Kong Sevens is considered the premier tournament on the IRB Sevens World Series in rugby sevens—a variant of rugby union.... in 2007. |
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Yellow Yellow is the color evoked by light that stimulates both the L and M cone cells of the retina about equally, with no significant stimulation of the S cone cells. Light with a wavelength of 570–590 nm is yellow, as is light with a suitable mixture of red and green... , orange |
Upolu Upolu is an island in Samoa, formed by a massive basaltic shield volcano which rises from the seafloor of the western Pacific Ocean. The island is long, in area, and is the second largest in geographic area as well as the most populated of the Samoan Islands. Upolu is situated to the east of... island. |
Tooth-billed Pigeon The Tooth-billed Pigeon also known as Samoan Pigeon, is a medium-sized, approximately 34 cm long, dark pigeon with reddish feet and bare skin around eye. The underparts, head and neck are blackish with a slight blue-green iridescence, and the tail, wings-coverts and tertials are chestnut,... or Samoan Pigeon (Didunculus strigirostris), national bird of Samoa. |
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Paper Paper is a thin material mainly used for writing upon, printing upon, drawing or for packaging. It is produced by pressing together moist fibers, typically cellulose pulp derived from wood, rags or grasses, and drying them into flexible sheets.... + plastic Plastic A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids used in the manufacture of industrial products. Plastics are typically polymers of high molecular mass, and may contain other substances to improve performance and/or reduce production costs... |
Purple Purple is a range of hues of color occurring between red and blue, and is classified as a secondary color as the colors are required to create the shade.... , Blue Blue Blue is a colour, the perception of which is evoked by light having a spectrum dominated by energy with a wavelength of roughly 440–490 nm. It is considered one of the additive primary colours. On the HSV Colour Wheel, the complement of blue is yellow; that is, a colour corresponding to an equal... |
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Paper Paper is a thin material mainly used for writing upon, printing upon, drawing or for packaging. It is produced by pressing together moist fibers, typically cellulose pulp derived from wood, rags or grasses, and drying them into flexible sheets.... + plastic Plastic A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids used in the manufacture of industrial products. Plastics are typically polymers of high molecular mass, and may contain other substances to improve performance and/or reduce production costs... |
Green Green is a color, the perception of which is evoked by light having a spectrum dominated by energy with a wavelength of roughly 520–570 nanometres. In the subtractive color system, it is not a primary color, but is created out of a mixture of yellow and blue, or yellow and cyan; it is considered... , yellow Yellow Yellow is the color evoked by light that stimulates both the L and M cone cells of the retina about equally, with no significant stimulation of the S cone cells. Light with a wavelength of 570–590 nm is yellow, as is light with a suitable mixture of red and green... |
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