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.

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.

The $5 tala polymer banknote is an upgrade of the original cotton-based paper banknote.  This is to enhance durability and security of the Samoan banknotes. Maintaining original designs on the paper print banknotes, polymer print features a transparent window displaying Teuila flower making the note very hard to counterfeit.

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.

The $10 tala polymer note is a blue colored polymer issued to commemorate the 16th Pacific Games held in Samoa in 2019. This unique banknote design reflects the pride we feel about our country’s way of living and its lifestyle.  The upbringing of a child’s life at home by doing traditional daily chores and how it accumulates and builds their skills to achieve the sporting prowess. The front of the note displays images of the Va’a or Outrigger, Rugby and Weightlifting, all are popular sports in Samoa. The back of the note includes gathering coconuts, playing rugby on the beach and rowing a canoe to go fishing. The note is different from our other notes because it has a vertical front design and horizontal back side.

The $10 tala polymer banknote is an upgrade from original cotton-based paper banknote.  This is to enhance durability and security of the Samoan banknotes. Maintaining original designs on the paper print banknotes, polymer print features a transparent window displaying Teuila flower making the note very hard to counterfeit. 

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.

The $20 tala polymer banknote is an upgrade from the original cotton-based paper banknote.   This is to enhance durability and security of the Samoan banknotes. Maintaining original designs on the paper print banknotes, polymer print features a transparent window displaying Teuila flower making the note very hard to counterfeit.

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.

The $60 Tala commemorative banknote is a special denomination in Samoa’s family of banknotes issued to commemorate Samoa’s 60 years of Independence. The design of the 60 tala commemorative Banknote is a celebration of a new dawn and welcoming new changes in the history of Samoa.  The front portraits the first female Prime Minister of Samoa, the Honorable Fiame Naomi Mataafa. The back features the first Prime Minister of Samoa, the Honorable Fiame Mataafa Faumuina Mulinu’u II during Samoa’s first independence in 1962. The banknote also features for the first time, the signature of our first female Minister of Finance Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Molioo with the first female Governor Maiava Atalina Ainuu-Enari of the Central Bank of Samoa. This commemorative 60 tala banknote commemorates our independence and the accomplishments of Samoan women, as per the Samoan proverb “E au le ina’ilau a tamaitai”.

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 a significant 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'.