Samoa - 100 Tala Polymer Banknote Honouring Queen Elizabeth II
Samoa Issues New 100 Tala Polymer Banknote Honouring Queen Elizabeth II
The Central Bank of Samoa has announced the release of a limited-edition 100 tala commemorative polymer banknote honouring the life and legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The issue commemorates what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birth year in 2026.
Although the new banknote is legal tender in Samoa, it is not intended for general circulation. Instead, it has been produced as a commemorative issue for collectors and members of the public, with a strictly limited print quantity.
A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and Samoa’s Commonwealth Heritage
The choice of the 100 tala denomination carries special significance, marking the Queen’s 100th birth year.
Samoa, as a proud member of the Commonwealth of Nations, has a notable connection with Queen Elizabeth II. On 11 February 1977, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited what was then Western Samoa as part of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee tour.
The royal couple were welcomed by Samoa’s Head of State, Malietoa Tanumafili II. Their visit was a landmark moment in Samoan history, as it marked the first visit of a reigning British monarch to (Western) Samoa. The historic occasion is commemorated on the new banknote through imagery drawn from photographs of the 1977 visit.
Three Portraits of Queen Elizabeth II
The obverse of the commemorative banknote brings together three different stages of Queen Elizabeth II’s life.
At its centre is an iconic engraving based on the 1934 photograph by Marcus Adams, which was subsequently featured on a Canadian banknote in 1935. This childhood portrait is accompanied by engravings based on a 1951 photograph by Yousuf Karsh, showing the then Princess Elizabeth, and a 2007 photograph by Bill Ingalls, depicting the Queen in her later years.
Together, these portraits create a visual representation of the Queen across different periods of her life and reign.
Historic Royal Visit Featured on the Reverse
The reverse of the banknote commemorates the historic 1977 visit to Samoa.
It features Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and Malietoa Tanumafili II, with the imagery derived from original photographs taken during that significant royal visit.
The design connects the Queen’s relationship with Samoa to one of the country's most memorable historical occasions.
Samoa’s Natural Beauty, Culture and Heritage
Beyond the royal theme, the banknote incorporates a wide range of imagery representing Samoa’s culture, history, natural environment and national identity.
The Samoan plumeria features prominently as a symbol of beauty, charm and grace. The Immaculate Conception Cathedral, one of Samoa’s oldest churches, is also represented. Its restored and expanded form reflects the strong Christian faith that has played an important role in Samoan society.
The country's lush island vegetation and the spectacular Fuipisia Falls further highlight Samoa’s distinctive natural landscape.
The banknote also incorporates warm blue ocean waves containing several important symbols: a green turtle, an outrigger canoe and an 18th-century sailing ship. These elements represent Samoa’s wildlife, seafaring traditions and maritime history.
Another notable feature is the partial ruins of the London Missionary Society church at the Sale'aula lava field on Savai'i, serving as a reminder of Samoa’s volcanic origins and geological history.
A Limited Polymer Issue for Collectors
The commemorative note is produced on PolySecure™ polymer substrate, supplied by Q&T Hi-Tech Polymer at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in Vietnam. The polymer format, combined with microtext and UV features, adds modern security elements to a design that is strongly rooted in history and tradition.
The issue is particularly notable for its limited production and collector-oriented nature.
Issue Specifications
- Denomination: 100 tala
- Issue quantity: 20,000 pieces
- Serial numbering: QEII 00001 – QEII 20000
- Specimen notes: 100 pieces
- Uncut blocks: 125 blocks of 8 notes
- Dimensions: 140 × 72 mm
- Substrate: PolySecure™ by Q&T Hi-Tech Polymer, Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, Vietnam
- Security features: Microtext and UV images
- Replacement notes: None
- Printer: Royal Joh. Enschedé, Haarlem, The Netherlands, a part of Authentix
A Unique Commemorative Issue
The new Samoan 100 tala polymer banknote brings together royal history, Samoan heritage, natural beauty and modern polymer technology in a single commemorative issue.
With only 20,000 notes produced, the absence of replacement notes, and the availability of limited specimen and uncut-block formats, the issue is expected to attract considerable interest among world banknote and polymer currency collectors.
The project was developed through a collaborative partnership between the Central Bank of Samoa and PBN Currency Solutions of Slovenia, resulting in a commemorative banknote that pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II while simultaneously showcasing the history, culture and distinctive identity of Samoa.
Source: Donald Ludwig
