...Western Samoa - ND2020 Series Numismatic Reprints

Western Samoa

(1914-1997)

 

Bank of Western Samoa, (Est 1959-1975)

Monetary Board of Western Samoa (Est.1975-1984)

Currency - Pound (until 1967), Tala (WST) 

Here, I have posted 8 notes all reportedly issued in (nd)2020. There are reprints from previous issues but not sure if these were newly printed banknotes or these were derived from reminders of old stocks. All notes are printed with watermark features, presumably the same as those original issues. I have a very strong feeling that these are newly reprints and not from the old stock.

According to a letter dated 08.06.2020 and signed by the bank governor, Maiava Atalina Ainuu Enari, these notes were released to a company called Van Reijen International Agencies Limited, a Coins, Banknotes and postage stamps dealer in Guernsey. In the letter, it also stated that these notes were released mainly for numismatic purposes. It looks like this company in Guernsey has the sole distribution rights on these reprints. I believe I have a full set of these Samoa numismatic reprints here.

Maiava Atalina Ainuu Enari is the current Bank Governor of the Central Bank of Samoa and she has been in this role since August 2011. 

In order to differentiate these reprints from those issued earlier is the letter prefix printed on these reprints. Most of the previous original issues were printed without a letter prefix. For these reprints, they are printed with either a letter 'S' or 'T', the prefix 'V' was also reported. I have seen one note with the letter 'W' too. Unfortunately, I do not have any of the original issues in my collection, as if I do, I would compare these notes side by side. The signatures on these notes are the same as those initially issued for circulation. Obviously, and I believe, most or all of them are no longer with us today. It would be a miracle if any of them are still around.

Whilst these are reprints for collectors, I am not sure if the notes here are still legal tender in Samoa. As these are reprints, the notes are all printed with the words 'Legal Tender' on it. I also understand that all Samoa notes issued in Tala values are still legal tender. 

The first three reprint notes are from the 1963 series of 10 shillings, £1 and £5. In 1967, it changed the £sd system to decimal. The £sd currency is an archaic system and it can be a bit time consuming in working out the calculation, and to improve economic efficiency and to align with global trading partners, the decimal system was adopted. Interesting thing is that the British did not convert to the decimal currency system until 1971. Australia did that on Valentine's day in 1966, both Samoa and New Zealand on 10.06.1967, Tonga on 03.04.1967 and Fiji on 15.01.1969. Countries like Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea were using Australia currency before adopting its own as of today.

Now you must be wondering why I buy these notes? I am just wondering this myself and I do not have an answer for you. Is this a total waste of money? Perhaps it is as some of these may not be worth anything. I did not get these when it was first announced until recently. Whilst these are numismatic items that should or should not be considered as collectibles for notaphilists, they are all printed with strong watermarks security features (I believe) like those original real money. If these are actually the same as those originally issued in the 1960s with the same security features, then credit must be given to the bank. This is much better than those so called 'Reproduction' of banknotes that you find selling in the market. My original intention was to ignore them but changed my mind as my aim is to collect all modern banknotes issued in the Pacific regions. Having these original notes issued in the 1960s in an uncirculated collection would be a dream. However, getting them may cost a fair bit, so instead having these reprints is my second best.🤣

I believe uncut sheets are also available but I do not have the details, and I have no intention to get them, not even one sheet. For them, I believe it is a total waste of money, money that I can channel into other banknotes that I am interested in.

 

Ten Shillings (One Tala conversion)

Front - Coat of Arms on the left. Fishermen at work. Sea and landscape in the back. 

Manager - N.O. Maitland

Date - nd2020 (reprint of 1963 series)

Watermark - Repeating alphabet letters BWS (Bank of Western Samoa )  

Sizes - 139mm x 77mm

Back - A thatched hut in the center by the beach. Thatched huts in Samoa are built mainly for residential living, coastal relaxation, and are also used for low-budget visitor accommodation. They are designed to provide shade, cool airflow, and protection from rain. A thatched hut in Samoa is called 'fale'. Coconut trees on both sides of the hut.

 

One Pound (Two Tala conversion)

Front - A large Coat of Arms in the center. Coconut trees on both sides with sunrise or sunset. I would take these as sunrise on one side and then sun set on the other. Coconut plantations are a vital part of Samoa's rural economy as about 30% of its land area is used for cultivation.

Manager - N.O. Maitland

Date - nd2020 (reprint of 1963 series)

Watermark - Repeating alphabet letters BWS (Bank of Western Samoa ) 

Sizes - 158mm x 82mm

Back - A thatched hut on center right with a beach scene with coconut trees and a boat with a person in the background.

 

Five Pounds (Ten Tala conversion)

Front - A billowing flag of Samoa. Arms on lower right. A Kava bowl on the left. In my book, this is a large sized note, just like all other old banknotes.

Manager - N.O. Maitland

Date - nd2020 Reprint (reprint of 1963 series)

Watermark - Repeating alphabet letters BWS (Bank of Western Samoa ) 

Sizes - 167mm x 67.5mm 

Back - Banana trees on the left, coconut trees in the center left and cocoa trees on the right. In the background is a sense of a beach and landscape in the distance. Samoa produces about 22,000+ metric tons of bananas annually and mainly exports them to New Zealand. For coconut cultivation, it mainly exports organic virgin coconut oil and copra. In general, the cocoa beans production is considered relatively very small, as it accounts for roughly 0.01% global production. These beans are also used to manufacture a Samoan traditional drink called 'koko Samoa', a niche export market exists, mainly to New Zealand, Australia and the United States. 

 

One Tala 

Front - Arms on the left. Fishermen at work. Sea and landscape in the back. As Samoa is a small nation in the Pacific ocean, fishing represents approximately 3.5% to its national GDP. Small-scale fisheries and aquaculture provide substantial economic value to the nation, estimated around T$70 million annually. It should also be noted that about 25% of the Samoan households are involved in fishing, one way or the other. 

Senior Manager - K.W. Taylor

Date - nd2020 (reprint of 1967 series)

Watermark - Repeating alphabet letters BWS (Bank of Western Samoa ) 

Sizes - 138mm x 77mm

Back - A thatched hut in the center by the beach. Coconut trees on both sides of the hut.

 

Two Tala 

 

Front - A large Arms in the center. Coconut trees on both sides with sunrise or sunset.

Senior Manager - K.W. Taylor

Date - nd1967 reprint (reprint of 1967 series)

Watermark -  Repeating alphabet letters BWS (Bank of Western Samoa ) 

Sizes - 144mm x 77mm

Back - A thatched hut on center right with a beach scene with coconut trees and a boat with a person in the background. This scene looks very calm and relaxing. 

 

Ten Tala 

 

Front - A billowing flag of Samoa. Arms on lower right. A Kava bowl on the left.

Senior Manager - K.W. Taylor

Date - nd2020 (reprint of 1967 series)

Watermark - Repeating alphabet letters BWS (Bank of Western Samoa ) 

Sizes - 150mm x 76mm 

Back - Banana trees on the left, coconut trees in the center left and cocoa trees on the right. In the background is a sense of a beach and landscape in the distance. This scene or design is good enough as a picture hanging on the wall.

 

One Tala 

Front - A billowing flag of Samoa in the center left. Two women weaving using pandanus leaves. In the center is the landscape of the sea and mountains.

Chairman - Filipo Vaovasamanaia  

Date - nd2020 (reprint of 1980 series)

Watermark - A head of a man facing right

Sizes - 140mm x 72mm

Back - A billowing flag of Samoa in the center right. Two fishermen at work. Below the flag is the Coat of Arms of Samoa. 

One Tala (Specimen) 

Date - nd2020 reprint

Watermarks - A head of a man facing right. 5 x 1 numeral numbers (2 large and 5 small) under UV light 

Sizes - 140mm x 72mm 

Note - Only the front is printed with the word 'Specimen' but not on the back. 

  

Two Tala (Specimen)

Front - A billowing flag on the left and a woodcarver to the right. In the center is the landscape of the sea and mountains. 

As you can see, this reprint note or 2 tala is printed with the word 'Specimen' in the center, like the one tala posted above. Why, I am not sure. The note has a normal 6-digit serial number and the letter prefix is 'S'. I understand that no Samoan paper banknotes issued have been demonetised yet and as normal numismatic reprints for this note without the word Specimen are also available, then why the authority also print this note as specimen note, when this note was issued for collectors only and not intended for normal circulation. Even if this normal note has the face value of 2 tala and is legal tender, it is very unlikely that anyone would cash this in as the cost of getting such note is much higher than the face value itself. It should be noted that on the front is printed with the word 'Specimen' and none on the reverse.   

Minister of Finance - Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi 

Date - nd2020 (1985)

Watermarks - A head of a man facing right. 5 x 2 numeral numbers (2 large and 5 small) under UV light 

Sizes - 140mm x 72mm

Back - A thatched hut on center right with a beach scene with coconut trees. Only the front is printed with the word 'Specimen' but not on the back.

...New Zealand - $10 1990 Commemorative Sequicentennial Anniversary of Waitangi Treaty 1840-1990 (150th Year)

New Zealand

Aotearoa

Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ est.1934)

Te Putea Matua

Currency : Dollar (NZD)

 

I have waited for more than 30+ years and now decided to see if I can complete this set. Unfortunately, I am still short of two notes.

Here, I have posted 8 out of the 10 notes for the 1990 $10 commemorative notes celebrating the 150th year of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (1840-1990). These notes were first released for circulation on 14.08.1992. This is the first time that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has issued a legal tender banknote commemorating a historical event in the country. 

Back in the early 90s, this note was marketed in Australia by the Royal Australian Mint, and I recall, the 2-in-One Uncut sheets were made available but I cannot remember if other uncut sheets were offered too. I am pretty sure that only the uncut sheets were offered and not the single notes. As if not, I would have bought them too. I then purchased the 2-in-One uncut sheet only, as it was selling quite expensive back in the 90s. Since then, I made no attempt to get the rest of the series (single notes and all other prefixes) until now. Despite the hefty price I have paid for these single notes, it does give me some satisfaction that I now have 8 notes in my collection. To buy them separately could cost me even more and it may also be a challenge to find them available for sale in the market too. As you can see, I am still missing the two notes printed with the prefixes of CCC and DDD.

The Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) was first signed on 06.02.1840 by Captain William Hobson (1795-1842), who represented the British Crown and then by Northern Maori chiefs at Waitangi. The treaty was written in both English and Maori. The Waitangi Treaty is a foundational agreement in New Zealand which established a partnership between the British Crown and Maori chiefs. It is considered as a constitutional document that guides the relationship between the Crown (the British) and Maori. After the initial signing, the document was then traveled all over New Zealand in the next few months to have it signed by all other chiefs in New Zealand. In all, approximately 540 Maori chiefs signed the treaty, including 13 women. Most of them signed on the Maori version of the treaty, with 39 signed on the English version. As per the name of the treaty, Waitangi is located in the northern part and on the right side of North Island and is about 230 km north of Auckland. Waitangi is not a name of a town or city but rather a locality/settlement and is located in the Bay of Islands. The closest town to Waitangi is Paihia, which is connected by a bridge near the mouth of the Waitangi River estuary. Paihia is a very small coastal town with a population of less than 2000 people.

New Zealand was first visited by the Dutch in 1942. In 1769, Captain James Cook arrived on his first of his three voyages. Since then, New Zealand has been visited by explorers, sailors, missionaries and traders. The Treaty of Waitangi dated 06.02.1840 is considered the official date of colonisation of New Zealand by the British. The treaty was intended to create unity between the British and Maori, but different understandings of the two versions and breaches have led to ongoing controversies and disagreements until today. According to the Maori, the treaty grants the Crown/British governance over the land while acknowledging Maori authority, while the English version gives the Crown/British full sovereignty.

A total of 1.0m pieces were printed for this series with 10 prefixes* issued. Each prefix was printed with 100,000 pieces each with the exception of AAA and BBB prefixes. For the AAA prefix, only 96,000 printed but none were originally issued in single notes. For the BBB prefix, a total of 104,000 issued with 19,450 released in a cardboard sleeve as numismatic products and sold for NZ$17.85 per set. In addition to Prefix BBB, Prefix CCC notes were also sold in a cardboard sleeve as well and it was reported that only 500 sets (CCC 000001-CCC 000500) were made available. As the AAA prefix notes were initially sold as uncut sheets, and later those unsold sheets were returned to RBNZ, and then the bank cut these unsold sheets into individual notes and released them back into circulation. If you have got one in single, it could be possible that it came from the uncut sheet not cut by the bank. I have seen a few of these AAA prefix notes offered by dealers here and most of them are just badly cut and you can tell that it was not officially cut by the RBNZ. As for the uncut sheets, so far, I have sighted the sheets of 32, 16, 4 and 2.

Below are the list of prefixes printed for this series:-

AAA - s/n 000001 to 096000 (initially uncut sheets only);

BBB - s/n 000001 to 104000 (19,450 sets in cardboard sleeve);

CCC - s/n 000001 to 100000 (also issued in cardboard sleeve);

DDD - s/n 000001 to 100000;

CWB - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Countrywide Banking Corporation Ltd);

FTC - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Farmers Trading Company Ltd);

MBL - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Mobil Oil Corporation);

RNZ - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Radio New Zealand);

RXX - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Rank Xerox); and

TNZ - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Television New Zealand TVNZ).

 

In addition to the above, 10 pieces were printed with the prefix of NZ* but used as specimen notes only. It was also reported that no replacement prefixes were printed for this series. Whilst we can confirm that the first prefix for this serial is AAA, would you say the last prefix is TNZ, or there is no last prefix as every one printed is just as unique as the others.

Based on the quantity of 1.0m pieces printed, and in my opinion, this is not a large quantity issue especially for the denomination of $10, which is usually a popular denomination circulating in an economy, just like those notes of $1, $2, $5 and perhaps $20 as well. Back in the early 1990s, New Zealand had a population of about 3.30m people and for that and with a quantity of 1.0m is not considered a large issue.

I have waited for more than 30+ years and now decided to see if I can complete this set. 

Here, I have posted 8 notes for the 1990 $10 commemorative notes celebrating the 150th year of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (1840-1990). These notes were first released for circulation on 14.08.1992. This is the first time that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has issued a legal tender banknote commemorating a historical event in the country. 

Back in the early 90s, this note was marketed in Australia by the Royal Australian Mint, and I recall, the 2-in-One Uncut sheets were made available but I cannot remember if other uncut sheets were offered too. I am pretty sure that only the uncut sheets were offered and not the single notes. As if not, I would have bought them too. I then purchased the 2-in-One uncut sheet only, as it was selling quite expensive back in the 90s. Since then, I made no attempt to get the rest of the series (single notes and all other prefixes) until now. Despite the hefty price I have paid for these single notes, it does give me some satisfaction that I now have 8 notes in my collection. To buy them separately could cost me even more and it may also be a challenge to find them available for sale in the market too. As you can see, I am still missing the two notes printed with the prefixes of CCC and DDD.

The Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) was first signed on 06.02.1840 by Captain William Hobson (1795-1842), who represented the British Crown and then by Northern Maori chiefs at Waitangi. The treaty was written in both English and Maori. The Waitangi Treaty is a foundational agreement in New Zealand which established a partnership between the British Crown and Maori chiefs. It is considered as a constitutional document that guides the relationship between the Crown (the British) and Maori. After the initial signing, the document was then traveled all over New Zealand in the next few months to have it signed by all other chiefs in New Zealand. In all, approximately 540 Maori chiefs signed the treaty, including 13 women. Most of them signed on the Maori version of the treaty, with 39 signed on the English version. As per the name of the treaty, Waitangi is located in the northern part and on the right side of North Island and is about 230 km north of Auckland. Waitangi is not a name of a town or city but rather a locality/settlement and is located in the Bay of Islands. The closest town to Waitangi is Paihia, which is connected by a bridge near the mouth of the Waitangi River estuary. Paihia is a very small coastal town with a population of less than 2000 people.

New Zealand was first visited by the Dutch in 1942. In 1769, Captain James Cook arrived on his first of his three voyages. Since then, New Zealand has been visited by explorers, sailors, missionaries and traders. The Treaty of Waitangi dated 06.02.1840 is considered the official date of colonisation of New Zealand by the British. The treaty was intended to create unity between the British and Maori, but different understandings of the two versions and breaches have led to ongoing controversies and disagreements until today. According to the Maori, the treaty grants the Crown/British governance over the land while acknowledging Maori authority, while the English version gives the Crown/British full sovereignty.

A total of 1.0m pieces were printed for this series with 10 prefixes* issued. Each prefix was printed with 100,000 pieces each with the exception of AAA and BBB prefixes. For the AAA prefix, only 96,000 printed but none were originally issued in single notes. For the BBB prefix, a total of 104,000 issued with 19,450 released in a cardboard sleeve as numismatic products and sold for NZ$17.85 per set. In addition to Prefix BBB, Prefix CCC notes were also sold in a cardboard sleeve as well and it was reported that only 500 sets (CCC 000001-CCC 000500) were made available. As the AAA prefix notes were initially sold as uncut sheets, and later those unsold sheets were returned to RBNZ, and then the bank cut these unsold sheets into individual notes and released them back into circulation. If you have got one in single, it could be possible that it came from the uncut sheet not cut by the bank. I have seen a few of these AAA prefix notes offered by dealers here and most of them are just badly cut and you can tell that it was not officially cut by the RBNZ. As for the uncut sheets, so far, I have sighted the sheets of 32, 16, 4 and 2.

Below are the list of all prefixes printed for this series:-

AAA - s/n 000001 to 096000 (initially uncut sheets only);

BBB - s/n 000001 to 104000 (19,450 sets in cardboard sleeve);

CCC - s/n 000001 to 100000 (also issued in cardboard sleeve);

DDD - s/n 000001 to 100000;

CWB - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Countrywide Banking Corporation Ltd);

FTC - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Farmers Trading Company Ltd);

MBL - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Mobil Oil Corporation);

RNZ - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Radio New Zealand);

RXX - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Rank Xerox); and

TNZ - s/n 000001 to 100000 (Television New Zealand TVNZ).

 

In addition to the above, 10 pieces were printed with the prefix of NZ* but used as specimen notes only. It was also reported that no replacement prefixes were printed for this series. Whilst we can confirm that the first prefix for this serial is AAA, would you say the last prefix is TNZ, or there is no last prefix as every one printed is just as unique as the others.

Based on the quantity of 1.0m pieces printed, and in my opinion, this is not a large quantity issue especially for the denomination of $10, which is usually a popular denomination circulating in an economy, just like those notes of $1, $2, $5 and perhaps $20 as well. Back in the early 1990s, New Zealand had a population of about 3.30m people and for that and with a quantity of 1.0m is not considered a large issue.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand also put together the first 1000 sets all with matching serial numbers (#000001 - 001000) for sale to collectors. Report stated that 7 notes with prefixes DDD, CWB, FTC, MBL, RNZ, RXX and TNZ with matching serial numbers were sold as numismatic products. The notes with prefixes of AAA, BBB and CCC were not included. However, I have only six notes with matching serial numbers. These 1000 sets were first released to collectors in July 1990. I wonder if the RBNZ managed to sell all these 1000 sets issued and if not, were there any unsold sets redistributed back as single notes for circulation. The bank, I believe, has a habit of either redistributing unsold numismatic products or destroying them completely to save storage space. Whilst I am not entirely clear as to why the bank printed these unusual six prefixes that each represented a business entity in New Zealand, however, it was believed (according to a dealer) that these companies were involved in the sponsoring for this commemorative $10 series which would allow them to promote their businesses/brands in the country with their business acronym printed on the note as letter prefixes. In terms of how successful these promoting exercises were may not be known unless they have conducted research on this after the release of the notes back then. I honestly doubt anyone would have noticed this unless you are a collector or the employees of these companies involved, as normal people would have care less. Apology for my negative comment as the truth always hurts!😁.

 

Ten Dollars AAA Two-in-One Uncut Sheet

155.5mm x 157mm

Front - The Portrait of Queen Elizabeth the Second (1926-2022). This portrait was taken in 1977 by Peter Grugeon, The Queen was 51 years old when this portrait was taken. The design of this note on the front is very similar to the $10 circulating at that time, albeit the colour looks a bit lighter blue and the commemorative logo is added next to the Queen's portrait. 

Governor - Donald Thomas Brash (tenure 1988-2002)

Date - 1990 (Commemorative logo)

Watermark - Captain James Cook (b.1728-1779)

Printer - Bradbury Wilkinson & Co (De La Rue & Co Ltd since 1986)

Dimensions -  155.5mm x 157mm

Back - The design on the back is completely new and it depicts an image of the signing of the treaty by one of the Maori chiefs in front of the British Officer. The design came from a bas-relief by a British born sculptor, Alfred Drury. This design was previously printed on New Zealand 10 shilling notes. From the design, I personally feel that this treaty signing was a bit intimidating to the Maoris. I do not know who that sitting British officer was, but one can only assume that would be Captain William Hobson. Whilst he was sitting with both his hands resting on the hilt of a British Army Officer ceremonial sword, the Maori chief was not and had to stand and bend over to sign the document. This is clearly showing (to me imo) that this was done with intimidation against the Maori. On the right of the note, the following commemorative text printed with upper case are added: -

NEW ZEALAND 1990

COMMEMORATING THE

SIGNING OF THE

TREATY OF WAITANGI

1840

 

 Selling price A$33.50 by RAM

BBB Prefix in Folder  

Prefix BBB - NZ$17.85 Cardboard sleeve. The note is sealed in the sleeve and cannot be safely removed without damaging the sleeve. 19,450 folders issued but not sure if all were sold out or any unsold folders returned to the central bank. There is no shortage in supply for this note with this prefix. It is just the matter of what price you are willing to pay for. This BBB prefix folder note, together with the 2-in-one uncut sheet are the most common notes that you can find for sale for this commemorative series.

CCC Prefix

(Missing) 

This note is also sold in a cardboard sleeve just like the Prefix BBB note. However, I have no details as to how many were made available then. 

DDD Prefix

(Missing) 

 

CWB Prefix

Countrywide Banking Corporation Limited 

156mm x 79mm

Countrywide Banking Corporation Limited was a retail bank operating throughout New Zealand until 1998 when the company was acquired by the National Bank of New Zealand. The bank was created from Country Building Society, which itself emerged from the original Auckland Co-operative Terminating Building Society established in March 1897. In 2003, the Australia & New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) purchased the National Bank of New Zealand, and in 2014 retired the brand in favour of the ANZ brand. 

FTC Prefix

Farmers Trading Company Ltd 

156.5mm x 78.5mm

Farmers Trading Company Ltd is a New Zealand mid-market department store chain with its headquarter based in Auckland. The company operates 59 stores across the country specialising in family fashion, beauty, homewares, furniture, large appliances and whiteware/white goods. The company was founded by Robert Laidlaw in 1909, initially selling agricultural supplies through mail order catalogues.

MBL Prefix

Mobil Oil Corporation 

157mm x 78.5mm

Mobil Oil Corporation, the brand name speaks for itself. Mobil New Zealand is the oldest oil company, with it's roots tracing back to 1896 when Vacuum Oil of New York established its operation in Wellington. Since then, they have been operating in New Zealand in various forms, and a major player in the New Zealand fuel market for over a century.

RNZ Prefix

Radio New Zealand  

156mm x 78.5mm

Radio New Zealand was the first radio broadcast in New Zealand on 17.11.1921 by Professor Robert Jack. Since then public radio broadcasting can be traced through several key periods - The Radio Broadcasting Company (1925-1931); the New Zealand Broadcasting Board (1931-1936); the National Broadcasting Services (1936-1962); and the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation (1962-1975). RNZ is a Crown owned entity and is governed by the Radio New Zealand Act 1995.

 

RXX Prefix

Rank Xerox 

156.5mm x 78mm

Rank Xerox was formed in 1956 by the partnership between Rank Organisation and Xerox Corporation. The company was established to manufacture and distribute plain paper photocopying equipment. The company then entered into a joint venture with Fuji Photo film, known as Fuji Xerox. In 1990, Rank Xerox's operation was taken over by Fuji Xerox, later changing its name to Fujifilm Business Innovation in 2021.  

TNZ Prefix

Television New Zealand  

156mm x 78.5mm

Television New Zealand (TVNZ) is a New Zealand state-owned media company and Crown entity. TVNZ was established in 1980 following the merger of Television One and South Pacific Television. TVNZ was the sole television broadcaster in the country until the private channel TV3 was launched in 1989.

Footnote: The above comments posted may not be correct or accurate and have not been verified by any relevant authorities. The comments on the Treaty of Waitangi mentioned are solely mine and are based on my own opinion and understanding. I only come up with my conclusion based solely on my brief understanding of the British's history during the so-called period of - "Britannia Ruled The Waves". It is okay to disagree with what I have written here, and if you do, most likely you are correct and I am not. 😁

...Western Samoa - Specimen ND1985 And ND1990

Malo Saʻoloto Tutoʻatasi o Sāmoa

Independent State of Samoa

Central Bank of Western Samoa (1959-1975)

Monetary Board of Western Samoa (1975-1984) 

Central Bank of Samoa (Est.1984)

Currency - Tala (WST)

 

 

Here are the four specimen notes that I have in my collection. I am missing the 2 and 5 tala specimen notes. It is believed that these were first introduced in (nd)1985 for the 10 and 20 tala, and the remaining two notes, 50 and 100 tala released in (nd)1990.

The notes posted here are the third series since the country adopted the 'Tala' currency from the 'Pound' series. Samoa adopted the 'Tala' currency on 10.07.1967 at the conversion rate of 1 tala = 10 shilling (2 tala = 1 pound).

For this series, only one print for each denomination was issued and the legal text on the notes are all printed with - Legal Tender in Western Samoa. Samoa was first called Western Samoa in 1914 when New Zealand troops occupied the nation during World War I. Prior to that, the country was known as German Samoa. In 1997, it changed its name to just Samoa. 

 

Ten Tala Specimen

Front - Billowing Samoa national flag. In the background is a view of Samoa coastline from a distance. To the right is a farmer harvesting bananas with a machete. 

Minister of Finance - Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Date - nd1985 

Watermark - Malietao Tanumafili I 

Sizes - 141.5mm x 73mm

Back - Billowing Samoa national flag. A view of Samoa beach with coconuts trees. Samoa Coat of Arms below the flag.

 

 Twenty Tala Specimen

Front - Samoa billowing national flag. A fisherman casting his net at the beach. A view of Samoan coastline in the distance.

 

Minister of Finance - Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Watermark - Malietao Tanumafili I 

Date - nd1985 

Sizes - 141.5mm x 72.5mm

 

Back - Parliament house (Fono House) in Apia. A billowing national flag of Samoa to the right and the Coat of Arms below the flag.

 

Fifty Tala (Specimen) 

Front - HRH Malietoa Tanumafili II (b.1913-207). He was the Head of State (O le Ao o le Malo) of Samoa from 1962 to 2007. A billowing national flag to the right. In the background is a view of Villa Vailima, the former residence of Robert Louis Stevenson (b.1850-1894). Villa Vailima is now museum. A Tanoa Bowl (Laulau) which is used in 'Ava ceremony is printed to the left of Malietoa Tanumafili. 

 

Signatures

Minister of Finance - Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

General Manager - Leasi Papali'i Tommy Scanlan  

Date - nd1990

Watermark - Malietao Tanumafili I 

Sizes - 140mm x 72mm

 

Back - Man performing traditional Samoan fire knife dance. Women seated dancing as a group. A pole with Samoan billowing flag hoisted.

 

 

One Hundred Tala Specimen 

Front - HRH Malietoa Tanumafili II (b.1913-207). Head of State from 1962 to 2007. A billowing national flag to the left. In the center is the Fono House (Parliament house) situated in Apia. 

Signatures

Minister of Finance - Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

General Manager - Leasi Papali'i Tommy Scanlan 

Date - nd1990

Watermark - Malietao Tanumafili I 

Sizes -140mm x 72mm

 

Back - Farmers processing coconuts. A billowing flag of Samoa to the right and the country's Coat of Arms below the flag.
 

...Papua New Guinea - 100 Kina ND2026 Commemorative Sir Julius Chan 陳仲民 Anniversary

Papua New Guinea, Independent State of

Bank of Papua New Guinea (Est.1973)

Currency - Kina (PGK)

 

This is a commemorative note of 100 kina that was released on 28.01.2026 to celebrate the first anniversary of the passing of Papua New Guinea's second Prime Minister. Sir Julius Chan. Sir Julius died on 30.01.2025 in Huris, New Ireland Province. Following his death, the government of Papua New Guinea declared a week of national mourning. He was given a state funeral in Port Moresby, the capital city and his remains were then buried in New Ireland Province.  

Sir Julius Chan was born half Chinese and half Papua New Guinean (mother Miriam Tinkoris, a native of New Ireland). His father was Chan Pak (陳柏 b.1896-1994 Sydney Australia), a trader originally came from Taishan, a coaster city situated in the southwest of Guangdong province. Sir Julius was the fifth child out of seven children, and it was believed that he spoke Cantonese, apart from English and a local dialect of Papua New Guinea. During the Second World War, because of his mixed race, the Japanese occupiers treated the entire Chan family as outsiders and put his father into forced labour building roads and bridges. One of his younger brothers died during the war (casualty of war). His older brother was in Hong Kong schooling during the war, and was tricked by a family friend and sold as a slave in China working as a farm labour. He was then rescued by a Communist Party general and they made him a shoe cleaner and a pistol carrier. After the war the Chinese General felt sorry for him and helped him to return to Hong Kong as a free man and later he managed to return home and united with the family in Papua New Guinea. 

This is the second time in the history of the Bank of Papua New Guinea since 1975 that banknotes were issued honoring a politician. The first time this happened was Sir Michael Somare on a fifty kina paper note issued in 1989. Since then, the 50 kina note with the portrait of Sir Michael Somare has been reprinted in polymer substrate materials including normal and commemorative notes, and I am just wondering if this 100 kina note with the portrait of Sir Julius Chan will be the same design for all future reprints. The difference between Sir Michael Somare and Sir Julius Chan is that the 50 kina notes were issued when Sir Michael Somare was still alive and Sir Julius Chan is not.

Whilst this note was issued as a commemorative banknote, there is nothing, like a commemorative logo or text to say this is a commemorative issue. 

 

One Hundred Kina

Front -  Papua New Guinea's Parliament building 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 and the images of Bird of Paradise. 

Signatures

Governor - Elizabeth W Genia (tenure 2023-)

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

Date - nd2026

Sizes - 150mm x 70mm 

Back - The portrait of the late Sir Julius Chan (b.1939-2025). Julius Chan who was the second Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea from 1980 to 1982, and again in 1994 to March 1997, and June 1997 to July 1997. Julius Chan was half Chinese and half native of Papua New Guinea and was born on Tanga Islands. His Chinese given name is 陳仲民 (transliteration - Chan Chung-min/Chen Zhongmin). His father was from Taishan (泰山 - southern China, near Macau) in China. Apart from Papua New Guinea dialects and English, he also spoke Cantonese. Apart from being the country's Prime Minister, he was also the 4th governor of New Ireland from 2007 to 2025 (until his death). Julius Chan was born in 1939 and died on 30.01.2025 at the age of 85 years old. Other images printed on this note is an image of a fisherman on a canoe (shark caller) catching sharks.

...Tonga - 2012 Specimen Reprints Of 2008 Series

Puleʻanga Fakatuʻi ʻO Tonga

(Kingdom of Tonga)

 

Pangike Pule Fakafanua 'O Tonga

(National Reserve Bank of Tonga, Est.1989) 

Currency - Pa'anga (TOP)

Below are four reprints of notes from the 2008 series. The 2008 series was printed in a full set of seven notes, from one to 100 pa'anga. This is the first of the 4 reprints since it was first introduced.

The signatures for these reprints are; -

Prime Minister - Siale 'Ataongo Kaho, Lord Tu'ivakano (2010-2014)

Minister of Finance - Sunia Fili Manu (tenure 2010-2012) 

The design for these reprints are still the same, except for the two new signatures. 

One Pa'anga 

nd2012, 151.5mm x 71mm

Front - On the front, it featured the King George Tupou V (b.1948-2012) in full military uniform. King George Tupou V's birth name was Siaosi Taufa'ahau Manumataongo Tuku'aho Tupou. King Tupou V was born in 1948 and died in Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong in 2012 at the age of 63 years old. He inherited the throne in 2006 following the death of his father, King Táufa'áhau Tupou lV (b.1918-2006). King George Tupou V was never married but did have a daughter from his previous relationship. However, due to the Constitution of Tonga that only allowed children born of a royal marriage, she was ineligible to the throne. King George Tupou V was succeeded by his younger brother, Tupou VI on 18.03.2012. 

Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT 

Back - The theme on the back of the note is mainly 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. Humpback whale watching is popular around the islands of Vava'u. Vava'u islands are located north-east of the main island Tongatapu and to get there by air is about one hour flight

Two Pa'anga

nd2012, 151mm x 71mm

Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT

Back - Scene of school activities. In the center left it depicts a school activity showing a teacher conducting a class outdoors. In the background is a school building and to the right a rugby player attacking another player holding the rugby ball in his arm. Rugby Union is the national sport of Tonga. The national team is known as 'Ikale Tahi or Sea Eagles in English. Whilst banknote theme designs are repeated from series to series in Tonga, this is the first time this design or theme is depicted on a Tongan banknote since 1967. However, apart from the nd2012 reprint, this theme has not been repeated since then. 

Five Pa'anga 

nd2012, 151mm x 70.5mm

Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT.

Back - The Royal Tombs of Tonga. The Royal Tombs is also known as langi and is a significant cultural and historical site. The site consists of atone burial structures for the Tongan royalty. There are two primary sites and are located in Lapaha on Tongatapu. Tongatapu was the ancient capital. The other one is located in Mala'ekula in the capital city of Nuku'alofa. This is the current site where the royal family members are buried when they are gone. This note depicts the historical burial site in Lapaha.

Ten Pa'anga 

nd2012, 151.5mm 70.5mm

Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT.

Back - The Royal Tombs of Tonga. The Royal Tombs is also known as langi and is a significant cultural and historical site. The site consists of atone burial structures for the Tongan royalty. There are two primary sites and are located in Lapaha on Tongatapu. Tongatapu was the ancient capital. The other one is located in Mala'ekula in the capital city of Nuku'alofa. This is the current site where the royal family members are buried when they are gone. This note depicts the current burial site of the Royal members.