The independence of Samoa is a complex story that began with protest movements against colonial powers, continued with peaceful resistance and nonviolent protests, and ended with an official declaration of independence. In 1900, Germany annexed Samoa so the Samoan people began a peaceful resistance movement. However, this peaceful resistance did not work and many Samoans were arrested or exiled from their country for resisting against German rule. Keep reading to learn about the new Samoa 60 Tala banknote just released.
After World War I ended and New Zealand took control, many Samoans joined forces with those who had been exiled in order to demand independence once again. On January 1, 1962, Western Samoa became an independent nation after New Zealand granted them self-government with an elected parliament and government. However, the country celebrates independence on June 1st. Their first prime minister was Fiamē Mataʻafa Faumuina Mulinuʻu II, a respected local chief and politician.
2022 Marks the 60th anniversary of Independence for Samoa. Because of this, the Central Bank of Samoa has released a special commemorative and legal tender banknote. According to the Central Bank it became available throughout commercial banks on May 31, 2023. It is the Samoa 60 Tala banknote. We see again that another bank has used the denomination as a special number like other commemorative banknotes. Such as the Fiji 88 Cents, Fiji 7 Dollars, Indonesia 75,000 Rupiah, and Pakistan 75 Rupees to name a few.
The banknote is colored in shades of brown, red and blue. The obverse side features a portrait of Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa who has made Samoan history by becoming the country’s first female prime minister. In addition, you can find an image of the Samoan flag hoisted and waving in the wind. As well as the Samoan coat of arms on the upper right-hand corner. In the very center is an image of the red and blue 60 denomination with the design of the country flag embedded in the design.
The reverse side shows an image of the country’s first prime minister, Fiame Matāa’fa Faumuina Mulinuu II lowering the flag of New Zealand as Samoa declared independence in 1962. He is is the father of the current prime minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa as well. In addition you can see the hoisted Samoan flag in the left hand side and the coat of arms again the upper corner. What do you think about this new banknote release?
