100 tala 1985

Common. The 100 Tala denomination from the 1985 series represents a standard circulation issue from the Central Bank of Samoa with no documented evidence of a short print run, recall, or limited issue. While specimen-marked notes are inherently less common than circulated currency, specimen examples of this standard denomination typically appear in the market with reasonable frequency. The note's uncirculated condition is standard for specimen examples. Current market valuations for similar Western Samoan specimens typically range from $15-35 USD, consistent with common-grade specimen banknotes.

Issued in 1985 by the Central Bank of Samoa during the reign of Head of State Malietoa Susiga Tanumafili II, this note commemorates key institutions and values of independent Samoa. The front depicts the Fono House (Parliament), representing Samoa's democratic governance structure, while the back features traditional coconut harvest scenes reflecting the nation's economic foundation. The national motto 'Fa'avae i le Atua Samoa' (Samoa is founded on God) inscribed on the coat of arms underscores the cultural and spiritual identity of the newly developing nation.

The obverse features Head of State Malietoa Susiga Tanumafili II in formal business attire (suit and tie), rendered as a fine-line engraving in profile facing right. The Samoan flag appears in the upper center portion. The Fono House (Parliament) is depicted and labeled in the center of the design. Ornate denomination circles displaying '$100' frame the top left and right corners. The reverse showcases a historical or traditional scene depicting approximately 4-5 figures engaged in what appears to be a coconut harvest or traditional economic activity, rendered in brown/sepia tones. The coat of arms of Samoa dominates the center-bottom, featuring a circular emblem with a cross at top, laurel wreath, and the national motto 'FA'AVAE I LE ATUA SAMOA' around the border. Both sides feature identical multicolored wavy line security background patterns in pink, green, and blue against a cream/beige base. Bilingual text frames all designs.

FRONT SIDE: 'FALETUPE TUTUTONU O SAMOA' (Central Bank of Samoa); '$100' / 'ONE HUNDRED' / 'TALA' / 'SELAU TALA' (One Hundred Tala in English and Samoan); 'LEGAL TENDER IN WESTERN SAMOA' / 'TUPE FA'ATAGAINA-MALO O SAMOA I SISIFO' (English and Samoan legal tender declarations); 'SPECIMEN' (specimen marking); 'FONO HOUSE' (Parliament building label); signature lines for 'MINISTER OF FINANCE' and 'GENERAL MANAGER'. BACK SIDE: 'FALETUPE TUTUTONU O SAMOA' (Central Bank of Samoa); '$100' / 'ONE HUNDRED TALA' / 'SELAU TALA' (denomination in both languages); 'SPECIMEN' (specimen marking); 'CENTRAL BANK OF SAMOA'; 'FA'AVAE I LE ATUA SAMOA' (Samoa is founded on God - national motto from coat of arms).

Intaglio (line engraving) for the primary security elements, combined with multicolor offset lithography for the background patterns and security features. The intricate wavy line background patterns, fine-line portraiture, and detailed coat of arms engraving are characteristic of high-security banknote production. The printer for Western Samoan currency of this era was typically a specialized security printer such as Bradbury Wilkinson or De La Rue, though specific attribution for Pick P-30 would require additional documentation.

This is a specimen variety of Pick P-30, identifiable by the prominent red diagonal 'SPECIMEN' overprint across both obverse and reverse. The serial number shown as 'A000000' is typical of specimen notes and indicates this was a printer's proof or bank distribution sample never intended for circulation. No signature varieties are visible in the specimen state. The 1985 date and 'Legal Tender in Western Samoa' inscription (as opposed to later issues reading simply 'Legal Tender in Samoa') confirm this as the original 1985 series rather than later reissues. Variants of P-30 are known to exist with different signature combinations and security feature arrangements; comparison with circulated examples would be required to establish all varieties within this Pick number.