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 : -
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 seal/stamp? To me, this looks more like a printer's specimen and not those specimen notes intended to issue to commercial banks, 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
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.
Governor - Maiava Atalina Emma Ainuu-Enari (since 2011)
Minister of Finance - Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo (since 2021)
Watermark - Teuila flower (purple alpine), acronym
Quantity* - 100 pieces only
Dimensions - 141mm x 72.5mm
Note * - This is indeed a rare specimen note to collect!
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.
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| Is this an internal archive or for a presentation specimen banknote? |
Added 26th August 2026
I have added the folder that was issued together with this 60 tala commemorative note to my previous post. A total of 500 specially designed folders were issued when this 60 tala commemorative note was issued on 31 May 2023. These folder were sold as it is without the actual banknotes inside but the folders were meant for both the standard uncirculated notes and the specimen notes. These folders are sold at Samoan 20 tala each.
Inside the folders (210.5mm x 149mm), the following text are printed: -
The banknote represents the celebration of a 'NEW DAWN', a beginning of a new day which is the sign of living hope, and a new era as we celebrate an important change in Samoa's history. The first female Prime Minister to be appointed to create a new dream for the people of Samoa.
Remarkably the banknote features a father and daughter both appointed to the office of Prime Minister - within 60 years of Samoa's independence.
The new commemorative banknote will also be the first in the history of Samoa's currency for the 60tala denomination to be released into circulation.
Theme Design:
The Design of the 60tala commemorative Banknote is a celebration of a New Dawn and welcoming new changes in the history of Samoa.
Front:
Portrait of the first female Prime Minister, the Honorable Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, in our 60th year of independence.
Back:
Features the first Prime Minister of Samoa, the Honorable Fiame Mata'afa Faumuina Mulinu'u II during Samoa's independence in 1962.
Technical Specifications:
Note Size - 160mm x 72mm
Substrate: cotton paper and igniteⓇ micro-optic security thread.
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