...Tonga - ND2023 Series Full Set #A 000086 Paper And Polymer Matching Numbers Set Commemorative

Puleʻanga Fakatuʻi ʻO Tonga

(Kingdom of Tonga)

 

Pangike Pule Fakafanua 'O Tonga

(National Reserve Bank of Tonga, Est.1989)

Currency - Pa'anga (TOP)

 

I posted a full set of six notes (nd)2023 on 01.05.2024. Now, I have posted another full set with matching serial numbers. These are specially put together in a limited edition in folders and sold at a premium as Numismatic Collectable items. This set consists of 2 polymer notes and 4 paper banknotes. The denominations for 5 and 10 are both printed on polymer substrate. This is the first time polymer notes have been issued in the Kingdom of Tonga. This set was introduced on 04.12.2023 and is the 9th series of banknotes issued since 1921. This set was issued to commemorate the birthday of the Kingdom's moderniser King Tupou I. King George Tupou I was born on 04.12.1797 and died on 18.02.1893. He was the King of Tonga from 1845 for 48 years until his death at the good old age of 95. He lived a very long life as this is very uncommon as life expectancy in those days was around 60.

Right now there are about 11 nations in the Pacific region that are issuing their own banknotes, and all have at least one or two notes that are printed on polymer substrate except for the French Pacific Territories and New Caledonia. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu have all fully converted their banknotes to polymer notes and now Tonga have issued two of their notes in polymer substrate notes too. The reason for the two notes of 5 and 10 pa'anga printed on SAFEGUARD on polymer substrate is that these are the two most used denominations in the country. These notes are all printed by De La Rue (name not printed on the notes).

 

The theme for this new series is similar to those previous issues with the exception of the 50 pa'anga. I believe the design for the 50 pa'anga is completely new. As expected, the design on the front for all the notes are the same albeit in different colours. The dimensions for all six notes are also basically the same with 1 to 1.5mm in variance, which is normal. These notes are all undated (nd04.12.2023).

The serial numbers for this set are all printed with the matching numbers of A 000086. Given a rather small population in Tonga, I believe all notes for all denominations for this series are printed with the letter A prefix only. This folder set comes with a certificate of authenticity printed on the back of the folder and is signed by the bank governor, Tatafu Toma Moeaki.

Two Pa'anga (Paper)

Prime Minister - Siaosi Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni (since 12.2021)

Minister of Finance - Tiofilusi Tiueti (since 10.2022)

Bank Governor - Tatafu Toma Moeaki (since 12.2022)

Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT

Dimensions - 150.5mm x 70mm 

 

Front - The engraved portrait of King of Tonga - Tupou VI (b.1959). He was crowned King of Tonga on 18.03.2012 following the death of his brother, King George Tupou V. Prior to that, he served as the 13th Prime Minister of Tonga from 2000 to 2006. In 2008, he was then appointed as the Chief of mission for Tonga's High Commission in Canberra Australia and in 2010, he was appointed as the Tongan ambassador to Japan. To the far right is the Coat of Arms. The design on the fronts are all the same, albeit different denominations, colour and some security features.

 

Back - The theme on the back of the note is related to tourism, depicting a Humpback whale doing a water backsplash. Whales watching months in Tonga are from June to October, with August and September being the best months.

Five Pa'anga (Polymer)

Prime Minister - Siaosi Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni (since 12.2021)

Minister of Finance - Tiofilusi Tiueti (since 10.2022)

Bank Governor - Tatafu Toma Moeaki (since 12.2022)

Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT

Dimensions - 151.5mm x 71mm

 

Front - This is the first of the two polymer notes issued by Tonga. It is not sure why the bank did not include the two pa'anga notes as polymers. Perhaps, the 2 pa'anga is not as heavily circulated in the country, like the 5 and 10 pa'anga.

Back - Ha'amonga stone gateway or Ha'amonga 'a Maui is a stone structure with two vertical large stones supporting a third stone on the top. This Ha'amonga 'a Maui is situated on the island of Tongatapu. Standing next to the structure is a man/woman. This gives you some ideas how big this structure is. It is believed that this structure was built by King Tu'itatui in the 13th century in honour of his sons. 

Ten Pa'anga (Polymer)

Prime Minister - Siaosi Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni (since 12.2021)

Minister of Finance - Tiofilusi Tiueti (since 10.2022)

Bank Governor - Tatafu Toma Moeaki (since 12.2022)

Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT

Dimensions - 151.5mm x 70.5mm

 

Front - Like the last series issued in 2015, all notes are printed with three signatures. It is not sure how many of these numismatic collectable sets are available as such information is not mentioned in the folder. Based on the set that I have here it would be fair to say that the first 100 numbered notes or more are sold as matching numbered sets. Despite saying this, I have seen matching sets selling on the Internet with notes numbered in 8xxx. However, I am not sure if these are from the official issues or if it just happened that the seller got them with matching numbers. I honestly doubt that such high serial numbered notes are from the Official matching set releases, but I could be wrong. I have a set that is not matching numbers and one of the notes has the serial number of #3327.

 

Back - Tonga ancient and ritual ceremony, depicting Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho (b.1983) performing Kava Ceremony Milolua. The princess is the eldest daughter of King Tupou VI, and the princess is the current Tonga High Commissioner to Australia since 2012.

Twenty Pa'anga (Paper)

Prime Minister - Siaosi Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni (since 12.2021)

Minister of Finance - Tiofilusi Tiueti (since 10.2022)

Bank Governor - Tatafu Toma Moeaki (since 12.2022)

Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT

Dimensions - 151mm x 69.5mm

 

Front - This note is printed with a PUREIMAGE security feature, a holographic thread in the central right of the note. All notes are printed with the country's Coat of Arms underneath the denomination on the front.

 

Back - The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) building in Nkuk'alofa. The NRBT is a five story building and is the tallest building in Tonga. This building was built in 1994 and this building first featured on the 20 pa'anga 2008 note series. The building also hosts the Embassy of Japan.

Fifty Pa'anga (Paper)

Prime Minister - Siaosi Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni (since 12.2021)

Minister of Finance - Tiofilusi Tiueti (since 10.2022)

Bank Governor - Tatafu Toma Moeaki (since 12.2022)

Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT

Dimensions - 151.5mm x 70mm

 

Front - On the front it features the NEXUS security thread, a dynamic micro-optic thread with the 'Drive' effect and denominational numeral. The security thread measures about 4.5mm wide and is printed in green colour.

 

Back - The St George Government Building was built in May 2017. This is a four-storey building which is occupied by the Prime Minister department, the Minister of Finance and National Planning, and also the office of Trade and Foreign Affairs. The cost for the construction was funded via a grant from China and was built by Shanghai Construction Group. This is the first time this building is featured in a Banknote series.

One Hundred Pa'anga (Paper)

Prime Minister - Siaosi Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni (since 12.2021)

Minister of Finance - Tiofilusi Tiueti (since 10.2022)

Bank Governor - Tatafu Toma Moeaki (since 12. 2022)

Watermarks - King Tupou VI and electrotype NRBT

Dimensions - 151mm x 70mm

 

Front - With NEXUS security feature which is a 18mm wide embedded micro optic stripe on the central left side of the note. You can find this security feature printed on the Guernsey ₤20 (nd2023), Qatar 500 riyals (2020 and 2022) and Solomon Islands $50 and $100 (nd2023).

 

Back - On the back is the Royal Palace situated in Nuku'Alofa, the capital city of Tonga. This wooden palace was built in 1867 and is located only a short distance from the Pacific ocean. The palace is the official residence of the King of Tonga, and this building has been featured on Tonga's banknotes since the 1967 series.

...Papua New Guines - ND2023 Prints Of 2, 10 and 100 Kina

Independent State of Papua New Guinea

Bank of Papua New Guinea (Est.1973)

Currency - Kina (PGK)

 

Below are three notes all printed with the year nd2023. At present, only these notes have been reported and we are not sure if the five, twenty and fifty kina have been released as well, as the last print for these notes were all dated nd2021. Time will tell if more than 3 notes have been issued for the nd2023 series.  

 

 

Two Kina

 

Governor - Elizabeth Genia (tenure 2023-)

Secretary, Department of Treasury - Andrew F Oaeke (tenure 2021-)

Dimensions - 126mm x 70.5mm

 

Front - Papua New Guinea's Parliament located in Waigani in the capital city of Port Moresby. The parliament house was officially opened on 08.08.1984 by Prince Charles (now King Charles The lll). The parliament house was formerly known as the House of Assembly Building of Papua New Guinea from 1964 to 1975. On the top left is the Bird of Paradise, the national emblem of Papua New Guinea, perched on a Kundu Drum and Ceremonial spear.Coat of Arms and on the far left is a see-through image of the bank's logo. 

 

Back - The main design on the back are a Mt Hagen axe, Kula Arm band from Milne Bay, engraved dog teeth from Bouganville, and a clay pot from the Sepik regions.

 

   

Ten Kina

 

Governor - Elizabeth Genia (tenure 2023-)

Secretary, Department of Treasury - Andrew F Oaeke (tenure 2021-)

Dimensions - 136mm x 70.5mm

 

Front - The main design elements on the front are the Parliament House and the National Crest of Papua New Guinea, which is a stylised Bird of Paradise sitting on a Kundu (drum) and a spear.

 

Back - The main design elements on the back are a Tami Bowl, Bird of Paradise feathers, a Boar’sTusk from the Highlands and Tambu Shell Money from East New Britain, which is also the complex window design

 

 

 

One Hundred Kina

 

Governor - Elizabeth Genia (tenure 2023-)

Secretary, Department of Treasury - Andrew F Oaeke (tenure 2021-)

Dimensions - 151mm x 70mm

Front - The front of the Banknote contains an Intaglio portrait of the Parliament House and the National Crest symbolising National Unity. 

 

Back - The main feature on the back of the note depicts the transition from the traditional primary economy towards the modern economy encompassing mining, petroleum, tourism, transportation and technology.
 

 

...Samoa - 5, 10 & 20 Tala ND2023/2024 Polymer Series Specimen

Malo Saʻoloto Tutoʻatasi o Sāmoa

(Independent State of Samoa)

Central Bank of Samoa (est.1984)

Currency : Tala (WST)

The announcement for the new polymer series was first made in early 2023. with the first note of 5 tala issued for circulation on 18.12.2023. On 23.01.2024, the central bank released the remaining two notes of 10 and 20 tala. Please feel free to visit my original post posted dated 19.07.2024.

 

Here, I have posted a set of 3 polymer specimen notes. According to my standard, this set of specimen notes is a bit pricey to me. Unfortunately, I have no choice but to buy a set to satisfy my ego. This set of notes were sold to me and was personally delivered to me by the overseas seller.

 

Below are the three notes all printed with the word 'Specimen' on the front and back on each of the notes.

Five Tala Specimen

 

Signatures

Minister of Finance - Lautimui Afoa Uelese Va'ai (since 01.10.2023)

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

Date - ND2023

Dimensions - 141mm x 73mm

 

Front - Tourism team. A beautiful pristine view of a sandy beach in Samoa. Tourism is one of the main economic drivers of Samoa. This note is printed with a Specimen control number of 080.

Back - Robert Louis Stevenson's former residence in Samoa. He is known as Tusitala (Teller of Tales) to the locals in Samoa. Robert Louis Stevenson (b.1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist and a travel writer. He settled in Samoa in 1890 and died of a stroke in 1894 at the age of 44 years old. He died in a village called Vailima (Villa Vailima) which is about four miles south of Apia, the capital of Samoa. His former residence is now a museum.

Five Tala Specimen

 

Signatures

Minister of Finance - Lautimui Afoa Uelese Va'ai (since 01.10.2023)

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

Date - ND2024

Dimensions - 141mm x 73mm

Front - Sport theme. It features Samoa's rugby sevens team triumphant victory, crowned champions at the International Rugby Board (IRB) Hong Kong Sevens in 2007. This tournament was founded in 1976 and is a 3 days event held annually in Hong Kong. Since then, Samoa have won three times, in 1993, 2007 and 2010. This note is printed with the Specimen control number of 082.

 

Back - Happy Samoan children on their way to school.

 

Twenty Tala Specimen

 

Signatures

Minister of Finance - Lautimui Afoa Uelese Va'ai (since 01.10.2023)

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

Date - ND2024

Dimensions - 141mm x 73mm

Front - Image of Sopoaga falls in Samoa. This waterfall is situated on the island of Upolu and is the largest waterfall in Samoa. entrance to this falls cost 10 tala per person. This note is printed with the Specimen control number of 080.

 

Back - Featuring the national bird of Samoa, the Manumea, and Samoa's national flower, the Teuila.
 

...Samoa - 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Commemorative Limited Editions

Malo Saʻoloto Tutoʻatasi o Sāmoa

(Independent State of Samoa)

Central Bank of Samoa (est.1984)

Currency - Tala (WST)

Signatures

Minister of Finance - Lautimui Afoa Uelese Va'ai (since 01.10.2023)

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

Date - CHOGM 2024

Quantity - 2000* sets (* reportedly)

Dimensions - mm x mm

 

On 22.10.2024, the Central Bank of Samoa released four commemorative banknotes celebrating the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). This meeting was held from 21.10.2024 to 26.10.2024. This is the 27th meeting and was held in the capital city of Apia in Samoa. CHOGM was first started in 1971, and was held in Singapore. CHOGM is a bi-annually meeting event and has been held in all five continents, with the United Kingdom holding the most in such meetings. In all, they have hosted CHOGM five times - 1977, 1986, 1997, 2018 and 2023* (*special sessions).

 

Fifty-six commonwealth nations attended the 2024 CHOGM, with the majority of which were represented by the country's Head of State or Prime Minister. However, the leaders of India, South Africa and Canada, namely Narendra Modi, Cyril Ramaphosa and Justin Trudeau respectively did not attend this meeting as both Narendra Modi, Cyril Ramaphosa were in Kazan Russian for the BRICS summit held on 22-24.10.2024, and as for Justin Trudeau, he was worried about his employment at home and had decided not to attend just in case he got a tap on his shoulder by someone from this own party. As head of the Commonwealth, King Charles III and his wife, Queen Camilla both attended this meeting in Apia and both arrived on 22.10.2024, after a 5 days stopover in Australia (Sydney and Canberra) for a short state visit.

 

To celebrate this special event, the Central Bank of Samoa issued four commemorative notes of 5, 10, 20 and 60 tala. The designs for these notes are the same as those recently issued series but with an added commemorative logo of CHOGM on the front of each note.

 

In terms of commemorating the CHOGM events since 1971, this is the fifth time that banknotes have been issued to celebrate this special event and is also the only time that more than one note has been released. Below are banknotes released since 1997 to celebrate the CHOGM events : -

1997 - Scotland, Clydesdale Bank plc - £20;

2007 - Uganda - 10,000 shillings;

2009 - Trinidad and Tobago - $100;

2013 - Sri Lanka - 500 rupees; and

2024 - Samoa - 5, 10, 20 and 60 tala.

Whilst all previous CHOGM commemorative notes were released as face value, the Samoa CHOGM sets are not as they are all sold at a premium.

 

Given that these notes were recently released in the country for general circulation, and according to the central bank, these commemorative notes were issued in limited edition. However, I do not have the details as to how many sets were issued. According to a dealer's site, it was claimed that only 2,000 sets were issued for the three polymer notes of 5, 10 and 20 tala and for the 60 tala, it was reported but not confirmed that only 1000 sets were made available. Also according to the bank's website, these commemorative notes were sold in albums and folders. It should also be noted that the 60 tala note is a double commemorative series as the same notes were issued at two separate occasions to celebrate different historical events, albeit one with CHOGM logo overprint on it.

 

217.5mm x 136mm

All notes are printed with a CHOGM 2024 hologram logo on the front of each note. The logo is surrounded by microtext that lists the names of all 56 Commonwealth countries, and trust me, it's extremely hard to read them. I suppose this is why they called it microtext. All the commemorative notes begin with the serial number 060xxxx, and this is chosen because of Samoa's recent 60th anniversary of independence, which was celebrated in 2023 with the issuance of the 60 tala banknote. The original release for the 60 tala 2023 commemorative note was one million pieces. 

 

The next CHOGM will be held in 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda in the capital city of St. John's. Now, that would be a very nice few days of sun and sea holidays! The question I have here is that will there be any banknotes planned for this event? Antigua and Barbuda will be celebrating their 45th year of independence from the British in 2026 (November 1st) and if this 28th CHOGM is held around that time, it would be a double celebration for this tiny nation. No date has been set for this meeting yet. 

 

Here, I have posted a full set with matching serial numbers printed with the serial numbers of 0600246.

Five Tala (Polymer)

 

Dimensions - 140.5mm x 73mm

Front - Tourism team. A beautiful pristine view of a sandy beach in Samoa. Tourism is one of the main economic drivers of Samoa.

Back - Robert Louis Stevenson's former residence in Samoa. He is known as Tusitala (Teller of Tales) to the locals in Samoa. Robert Louis Stevenson (b.1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist and a travel writer. He settled in Samoa in 1890 and died of a stroke in 1894 at the age of 44 years old. He died in a village called Vailima (Villa Vailima) which is about four miles south of Apia, the capital of Samoa. His former residence is now a museum.

Ten Tala (Polymer)

 

Dimensions - 140mm x 73mm

Front - Sport theme. It features Samoa's rugby sevens team triumphant victory, crowned champions at the International Rugby Board (IRB) Hong Kong Sevens in 2007. This tournament was founded in 1976 and is a 3 days event held annually in Hong Kong. Since then, Samoa have won three times, in 1993, 2007 and 2010.

 

Back - Happy Samoan children on their way to school.

 

Twenty Tala (Polymer)

 

Dimensions - 140.5mm x 73mm

 

Front - Image of Sopoaga falls in Samoa. This waterfall is situated on the island of Upolu and is the largest waterfall in Samoa. entrance to this falls cost 10 tala per person.

Back - Featuring the national bird of Samoa, the Manumea, and Samoa's national flower, the Teuila.

Back - Featuring the national bird of Samoa, the Manumea, and Samoa's national flower, the Teuila.

 

Sixty Tala (Paper)

Governor - Maiava Atalina Emma Ainuu-Enari (since 2011)

Minister of Finance - Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo (since 2021)

Date - CHOGM 2024

Watermark - Teuila flower (purple alpine), acronym CBS

Quantity - 1000* sets (* unconfirmed)

Dimensions - 141mm x 73.5mm  

 

Front - This note is issued in a tri-fold folder. The portrait of Fiame Naomi Mataafa, the Prime Minister of Samoa. Prior to becoming the Prime Minister, she was the Deputy Prime Minister from 2016 to 2020 representing the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP). In 2021, she joined the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (or FAST - Samoa United in Faith party) and was elected as their leader in March 2021. The FAST party was founded on 30.07.2020. She is the seventh Prime Minister of Samoa. In the center is the 60 SAMOA independence commemorative logo, and to the right is the billowing Samoa flag in blue and red colours and the Southern Cross constellation in white.

 

Back - The reverse side of the banknote depicts Samoa first Prime Minister of Samoa, the Honourable Fiame Matāa’fa Faumuina Mulinuu II (b.1921-1975), as he lowered the New Zealand flag on its first Independence in 1962, together with the 26th Prime Minister of New Zealand Sir Keith Jacka Holyoake (b.1904-1983) lowering the Samoan flag. The Western Samoan flag was then raised by joint heads of state Malietoa Tanumafili ll and Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole. Fiame Matāa’fa Faumuina Mulinuu II was also a Samoan paramount chief. To the right is the billowing flag of Samoa, and the commemorative logo is repeated on the bottom right side of the note. 

 

This is a tri-fold folder that comes with the 60 tala note. Inside the folder it has printed with information regarding the issuance of this commemorative note. It appears that these folders were presented as gifts to those who attended this meeting. I wonder if Narendra Modi, Cyril Ramaphosa and Justin Trudeau all got one too?

First Fold - As a remembrance of your participation in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 and your visit to our beautiful islands, we present you with a special commemorative banknote created specially for this year's CHOGM held in Apia, Samoa.

A unique CHOGM 2024 hologram has been applied to the 60-tala commemorative banknote to create a special, commemorative banknote souvenir, especially prepared for this year's CHOGM in Samoa.

May you cherish this keepsake that marks a significant milestone not only in the history of Samoa but also in the history of the Commonwealth.

 

Center fold - On May 31, 2023, the Central Bank of Samoa issued a commemorative banknote celebrating Samoa's 60th anniversary of independence. The obverse of the banknote portrays Samoa's current and first female Prime Minister, the Honorable Fiame Naomi Mataa'fa. The reverse of the banknote depicts her father, the first Prime Minister of Samoa, the Honorable Fiame Mataa'fa Faumuina Mulinuu II, as he lowered the New Zealand flag on the country's first day of independence in 1962. This commemorative banknote honors and recognizes Samoa's core strength as its foundation in God with the words: "Folau ma le Faatuatua" (Sail with Faith) and "Faavae i le Atua Samoa" (Based on the God of Samoa).  

This commemorative banknote proudly won the title of "Best Commemorative Banknote of the Year"at the High Security Printing Asia event held in December 2023 in Sri Lanka.

 

 

Stamps:

To the left is a set of four Singaporean stamps issued in 1971 to celebrate the first CHOGM held in Singapore. If you look and count the number of flags printed on the stamps, there were only 32 countries attending this inauguration meeting back then. I have had this set of stamps in my collection since 1971, and unfortunately, as I have had them for so many years, you can see the aging effect on them.

...Samoa - 60 Tala Specimen 60th Year Of Independence From New Zealand 1962-2022

Malo Saʻoloto Tutoʻatasi o Sāmoa

Independent State of Samoa

Central Bank of Samoa, Est 1984

Currency - Tala (WST)

 

I posted the 60 tala commemorative note here on 04.07.2023. The note was issued on 31.05.2023 for the celebration of Samoa's 60th year of independence from New Zealand. To read more above my previous post, please feel free to click here.

 

Now, I have posted the specimen note for this issue. As a specimen note, this note is printed with the serial number ST 0000000 but with no printer control number on the bottom left side of the note. The word "Specimen" is printed diagonally in red in the center of the note on the front and back.

 

The note is printed with two oval shape stamps in red on the top left corner and bottom right cover on the front and on the back with the following test : -

 

Specimen

De La Rue

No Value

I cannot say that I am an expert in specimen banknotes and based on all the most recent Samoa's specimen notes released, this is slightly different from the rest. The difference here is the printer's oval shape specimen stamps. My question is, is this an official specimen issue or is there another one without the oval shape stamp? To me, this looks more like a printer's specimen and not those specimen notes intended to issue to the public for information and education purposes. This is my first specimen note that is printed this way, out of 358 pieces of specimen notes I have in my collection.

Sixty Tala Specimen

 

Governor - Maiava Atalina Emma Ainuu-Enari (since 2011)

Minister of Finance - Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo (since 2021)

Watermark - Teuila flower (purple alpine), acronym

Quantity- Unknown

Dimensions - 141mm x 72.5mm

Front - The portrait of Fiame Naomi Mataafa, the Prime Minister of Samoa. Prior to becoming the Prime Minister, she was the Deputy Prime Minister from 2016 to 2020 representing the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP). In 2021, she joined the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (or FAST - Samoa United in Faith party) and was elected as their leader in March 2021. The FAST party was founded on 30.07.2020. She is the seventh Prime Minister of Samoa. In the center is the 60 SAMOA independence commemorative logo, and to the right is the billowing Samoa flag in blue and red colours and the Southern Cross constellation in white.
 

Back - The reverse side of the banknote depicts Samoa first Prime Minister of Samoa, the Honourable Fiame Matāa’fa Faumuina Mulinuu II (b.1921-1975), as he lowered the New Zealand flag on its first Independence in 1962, together with the 26th Prime Minister of New Zealand Sir Keith Jacka Holyoake (b.1904-1983) lowering the Samoan flag. The Western Samoan flag was then raised by joint heads of state Malietoa Tanumafili ll and Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole. Fiame Matāa’fa Faumuina Mulinuu II was also a Samoan paramount chief. To the right is the billowing flag of Samoa, and the commemorative logo is repeated on the bottom right side of the note.