...Samoa - 50 and 100 Tala ND2025 Polymer Normal And Replacement Notes

Malo Saʻoloto Tutoʻatasi o Sāmoa

(Independent State of Samoa)

Central Bank of Samoa (est.1984)

Currency : Tala (WST)

 

On 08.12.2025, the Central Bank of Samoa finally released the two remaining polymer notes of 50 and 100 tala, thus completing the adoption of polymer notes in full. The current series of 5, 10 and 20 tala polymer were first released in late 2023 and early 2024. 

The designs for these two new polymer notes are the same as those hybrid notes previously issued, except that as these are polymer notes, it also incorporated with a see-through windows in the design, just like those previous lower denominations issued

It is believed that only one prefix is printed for each domination, and to continue with traditions, these notes are printed with DD prefix for the 50 tala and EE for the 100 tala. Replacement notes are all printed with ZZ prefixes. 

As of today, there are now 21 nations fully adopting polymer banknotes. It should be noted that Samoa first tried the polymer substrate banknote when the country released the 2 tala note in 1991. In those days, Samoa was known as Western Samoa. The 2 tala polymer went on in circulation until 2009 when the central bank ceased issuing this banknote and replaced it with a coin in 2011. 

With these two notes and the Fiji 2026 polymer full set released recently, the following countries are now embracing polymer banknotes in full - Australia (1996), Fiji (2026), New Zealand (1999), Papua New Guinea (2010), Samoa (2025), and Vanuatu (2017). The remaining three countries that are yet to follow are the French Polynesia, Tonga and Solomon Islands.

Fifty Tala

Front - On the front it features the Government complex at Matagialalua. The main building is Fiame Mata'afa Faumuina Mulinuu II (FMFM II) Government Building, which houses several government ministries and agencies, including the Public Services Commission and the Bureau of Statistics. This building is located on the Apia waterfront on Beach Road, and behind this building is the Matagialalua Friendship park.

Signatures: -

Minister of Finance - Hon. Lautimuia Afoa Uelese Va'ai (since 01.10.2023)

Governor - Maiava Atalina Emma Ainuu-Enari (since 11.08.2011)

Sizes - 140mm x 72mm 

Back - On the back, it depicts the Central Bank of Samoa building located in the capital city of Apia. Whilst the central bank was established in 1984, the construction for the Central Bank of Samoa building was completed in 2009.

Fifty Tala ZZ Replacement Note

Sizes - 140mm x 71mm 

 

One Hundred Tala

Front - The portrait of the late Malietoa Tanumafili II (b.1913-2007). He was the Samoa paramount chief and the head of state when Samoa became independent in 1962 until his death. In Samoan, his official title is - O le Ao o le Malo of Samoa.

Signatures: -

Minister of Finance - Hon. Lautimuia Afoa Uelese Va'ai (since 01.10.2023)

Governor - Maiava Atalina Emma Ainuu-Enari (since 11.08.2011)

Sizes - 140mm x 72mm 

Back - The main feature printed on the note is the historical Mulivai Catholic Cathedral in Apia. Officially, this church is known as the Mulivai immaculate Conception of Mary Roman Catholic Cathedral and is located in Apai. 

One Hundred Tala ZZ Replacement Note 

Sizes - 140mm x 71.5mm