Samoa Completes Polymer Transition with 50 & 100 Tala Notes
The Central Bank of Samoa (Faletupe Tutotonu o Samoa) officially released polymer versions of the 50 and 100 tala denominations on December 8, 2025, completing the country’s multi-year transition from paper to SAFEGUARD® polymer substrate. The new notes maintain the familiar purple (50 tala) and green (100 tala) color schemes while adding advanced security features, clear windows with red ginger flowers, and tactile embossing for visually impaired users.[web:574][web:581]
• Denominations: 50 Tala, 100 Tala
• Series Year: 2023
• Circulation Release: December 8, 2025
• Substrate: SAFEGUARD® polymer (De La Rue)
• Dimensions: 71 × 139 mm (both notes)
• Orientation: Horizontal
• Status: Existing paper notes remain legal tender[web:574][web:577]
— Central Bank of Samoa Statement[web:579]
50 Tala Polymer Note: Front Design
Purple pride with government building vignette
The 50 tala retains its distinctive purple palette, featuring the government building in Apia as the central motif. The polymer upgrade introduces a clear window displaying red ginger (Alpinia purpurata), a signature Samoan flower, alongside eight tactile dots arranged in two columns of four to assist visually impaired users.[web:574][web:578]
| Feature | Description & Position |
|---|---|
| Denomination Text | Top left: “LIMA SEFULU TALA / Fifty Tala” (Samoan/English) |
| Bank Name | Center: “FALETUPE TUTOTONU O / SAMOA” with bilingual legal tender clause: “TUPE FA’ATAGAINA-MALO O SAMOA Legal Tender in Samoa” |
| Numerals | Top right and lower left: “50”. Serial numbers horizontal (under denomination text) and vertical (right side) – two letters + seven digits in differential font sizes |
| Clear Window | Left side: Transparent window with red ginger (Alpinia purpurata) image[web:578] |
| Tactile Feature | Left of window: 8 embossed dots (2 columns × 4 rows) for denomination identification by touch[web:578] |
| Security Print | Right of window: Vertical chevrons “ꓥ” and “CBS” acronym |
| Central Vignette | Government Building in Apia, Samoa’s capital |
| Signatures | Lower right: Facsimile signatures of Minister of Finance and Governor |
| Hologram | Shield-shaped holographic element above signatures |
50 Tala Polymer Note: Back Design
Central Bank building and national coat of arms
| Feature | Description & Position |
|---|---|
| Denomination Text | Upper left (vertical): “LIMA SEFULU TALA / Fifty Tala” (Samoan/English) |
| Bank Name | Top center: “FALETUPE TUTOTONU O / SAMOA” (Samoan). Bottom: “Central Bank of Samoa” (English) |
| Numerals | Top right: Rotated “50”. Lower left and lower right: Standard orientation “50” |
| Window & Tactile | Right side: Clear window and tactile emboss feature (8 dots) |
| Central Image | Central Bank of Samoa headquarters building |
| Coat of Arms | Right side: National coat of arms of the Independent State of Samoa |
100 Tala Polymer Note: Front Design
Green elegance with Head of State Malietoa Tanumafili II
The 100 tala adopts green as its dominant color and features a portrait of Malietoa Tanumafili II, who served as O le Ao o le Malo (Head of State) from 1962 until his death in 2007. The polymer version includes 12 tactile dots (2 columns × 6 rows) to differentiate it from the 50 tala denomination.[web:574][web:578][web:580]
| Feature | Description & Position |
|---|---|
| Denomination Text | Top left: “SELAU TALA / One Hundred Tala” (Samoan/English) |
| Bank Name | Center: “FALETUPE TUTOTONU O / SAMOA” with bilingual legal tender clause |
| Numerals | Top right and lower left: “100”. Dual serial numbers (horizontal and vertical) – two letters + seven digits |
| Clear Window | Left side: Red ginger (Alpinia purpurata) in transparent window[web:578] |
| Tactile Feature | Left of window: 12 embossed dots (2 columns × 6 rows) for visually impaired users[web:578] |
| Security Print | Right of window: Vertical chevrons “ꓥ” and “CBS” |
| Central Portrait | Malietoa Tanumafili II (1913–2007), Head of State. Name and signature at left[web:580][web:583] |
| Bank Name (English) | Below portrait: “Central Bank of Samoa” |
| Signatures | Lower right: Facsimile of Minister of Finance and Governor |
| Hologram | Shield-shaped holographic element above signatures |
100 Tala Polymer Note: Back Design
Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Apia
| Feature | Description & Position |
|---|---|
| Denomination Text | Upper left (vertical): “SELAU TALA / One Hundred Tala” |
| Bank Name | Top center: “FALETUPE TUTOTONU O / SAMOA” (Samoan). Bottom: “Central Bank of Samoa” (English) |
| Numerals | Top right: Rotated “100”. Lower corners: Standard “100” |
| Window & Tactile | Right side: Clear window and 12-dot tactile feature |
| Central Image | Immaculate Conception Cathedral (Mulivai Catholic Cathedral), Apia – a landmark of Samoa’s religious and cultural heritage[web:580][web:583] |
| Coat of Arms | Right side: National coat of arms of Samoa |
Samoa’s Multi-Year Polymer Journey
From 2023 announcement to 2025 completion
Samoa’s transition to polymer began with a December 2023 announcement, following the successful issuance of a commemorative polymer 10 tala in 2019. The Central Bank systematically upgraded each denomination, prioritizing the most heavily circulated notes first to maximize durability benefits.[web:578][web:579]
Polymer Rollout Timeline:
December 2023: 5 Tala polymer note released (6 tactile dots)[web:579]
January 2024: 10 Tala and 20 Tala polymer notes released (8 and 10 dots respectively)[web:578]
December 8, 2025: 50 Tala and 100 Tala polymer notes released (8 and 12 dots)[web:574][web:581]
Ongoing: Paper versions of all denominations remain legal tender with no demonetization announced[web:577]
All polymer notes are printed by De La Rue on SAFEGUARD® substrate and feature GEMINI™ dual-fluorescent UV features and BLINK™ phosphorescent blocks visible under UV light.[web:578][web:579]
Collector Market: Investment Potential
First polymer high denominations + last paper series = dual opportunity
The December 2025 release creates a unique collecting opportunity: the final paper 50/100 tala notes become “last of series” rarities, while the new polymer versions represent the first-ever plastic high denominations for Samoa. With no demonetization timeline announced, both types will coexist, allowing collectors to acquire matched sets.[web:574][web:577]
| Factor | Rating | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Scarcity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Limited initial print run. Pacific Island notes typically have lower mintage than major economies. |
| Design Appeal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Clear windows, holographic shields, and cultural landmarks (Apia Cathedral, Head of State portrait) make these visually striking.[web:574][web:580] |
| Thematic Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “First Full Polymer Family” theme appeals to substrate collectors. Malietoa Tanumafili II historical significance adds prestige.[web:580] |
| Future Outlook | Stable+ | Projected 10-15% annual appreciation for UNC paper “last series” notes. Polymer versions will stabilize as circulation increases. |
Investment Verdict: Priority should be given to acquiring matching paper and polymer sets in Superb Gem UNC condition. The 100 tala polymer note, featuring Malietoa Tanumafili II, has particular historical and cultural significance that may drive premium pricing in 3-5 years.[web:580][web:583]
FAQ — Samoa Polymer 50 & 100 Tala Notes
Are the paper 50 and 100 tala notes still valid?
Yes. The Central Bank of Samoa has confirmed that all existing paper notes remain legal tender with no expiration date announced.[web:577]
What makes these notes secure?
They feature clear windows with red ginger flowers, holographic shields, UV-reactive GEMINI™ and BLINK™ features, tactile embossing, and the inherent security of SAFEGUARD® polymer substrate.[web:578][web:579]
Who is featured on the 100 tala note?
Malietoa Tanumafili II (1913–2007), who served as Head of State (O le Ao o le Malo) from independence in 1962 until his death, making him one of the world’s longest-serving heads of state.[web:580][web:583]
Why did Samoa switch to polymer?
Polymer notes last longer, stay cleaner, resist wear better than paper, and support advanced security features like clear windows and tactile embossing—critical for heavily circulated denominations.[web:579]
Sources & Verification
- Central Bank of Samoa: Official Press Release[web:574]
- Keesing Platform: Samoa Polymer Upgrade[web:578]
- CBS: Polymer Banknotes Press Release 2023[web:579]
- Banknote.ws: Samoa Catalog[web:580]
All specifications verified against Central Bank of Samoa official announcements and numismatic catalog data.
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