5 tala 1980
“#005025”
About This Note
A stunning example of the 1980 Western Samoa 5 tala note in uncirculated condition, displaying the characteristic red/pink color scheme with vibrant blue and cream accents. The obverse features the Western Samoa flag alongside an engraved figure engaged in traditional tapa cloth work, while the reverse depicts the scenic Apia harbor with mountains and vessels, anchored by the national coat of arms. The sharp engraving, crisp margins, and complete absence of wear throughout make this an excellent specimen for collectors of Pacific island currency.
Common. The 1980 Western Samoa 5 tala (Pick 21) is a relatively standard circulation note from a small island nation's early post-independence period. Without evidence of a restricted print run, recall, or exceptional scarcity, and given that it appears in standard catalogs as the baseline 1980 issue, this denomination would have been printed in quantities sufficient for general circulation. The UNC condition grade is desirable but not extraordinarily rare for a 1980 note that saw limited circulation in a small economy. Collector demand for Pacific island currency exists but is modest compared to major world currencies.
This note was issued during Western Samoa's early independence period (Western Samoa gained independence in 1962) and reflects the nation's commitment to establishing its own monetary authority through the Monetary Board. The imagery—featuring traditional cultural practices (tapa cloth work) and the iconic harbor of Apia, the capital—celebrates Samoan heritage and economic identity. The prominent display of the national flag and coat of arms, along with the national motto 'Fa'avae le Atua Samoa' (God is the foundation of Samoa), underscores the nation's sovereign identity during this formative period of post-colonial governance.
The obverse showcases a red/pink-toned design dominated by a large decorative circular medallion in the lower left bearing the '$5' denomination. The center features the blue flag of Western Samoa with its characteristic white Southern Cross stars on a flagpole. To the right is a finely engraved portrait of a Samoan figure shown in profile, working with tapa cloth—a representation of traditional Samoan cultural and economic practices. Decorative wave and geometric patterns frame the composition at top and bottom, with matching '$5' medallions in the lower right corner. The reverse depicts a scenic coastal landscape representing Apia harbor, complete with mountains in the background, water with a ship or vessel, and settlements along the shoreline rendered in red/pink tones. The Western Samoa flag is prominently positioned in the upper center above the national coat of arms—a circular seal featuring a cross, laurel wreath, and stars symbolizing national sovereignty. This design reflects the nation's pride in both its natural geography and cultural heritage.
FRONT SIDE: 'KOMITI FAATINO O TUPE A SAMOA I SISIFO' (Committee for the Implementation of Currency of Western Samoa); 'TUPE FA'ATAGAINA-MALO O SAMOA I SISIFO' (Currency - Government of Western Samoa); 'LEGAL TENDER IN WESTERN SAMOA' (English equivalent); 'LIMA TĀLĀ' (Five tala in Samoan); 'FIVE TĀLĀ' (Five tala in English); '$5' (denomination symbol); 'CHAIRMAN' and signature line (Vaai—Chairman's signature); 'MONETARY BOARD OF WESTERN SAMOA' (issuing authority). BACK SIDE: 'KOMITI FAATINO O TUPE A SAMOA I SISIFO' (Committee for the Implementation of Currency of Western Samoa); '$5' (denomination); 'LIMA TĀLĀ' (Five tala in Samoan); 'FIVE TĀLĀ' (Five tala in English); 'MONETARY BOARD OF WESTERN SAMOA' (issuing authority); 'FA'AVAE LE ATUA SAMOA' (God is the foundation of Samoa—national motto). Serial number A0050025 appears on the obverse.
Fine line engraving throughout, characteristic of mid-20th century banknote production. The intricate geometric borders, wave patterns, and detailed landscape scene are consistent with intaglio printing (likely offset lithography combined with intaglio security elements). The sharpness of the engraved lines, the precise denomination markers, and the clarity of the coat of arms indicate professional security printing standards. Based on the Pick catalog entry and the era, this note was likely produced by a specialized security printer; specific attribution would require research into Western Samoa's printing contracts during 1980, but the quality is consistent with De La Rue or similar Commonwealth-era security printers.
Serial number A0050025 is noted in the catalog reference provided. The signature line shows 'Chairman' (Vaai), representing the contemporary monetary authority leadership. No overprints, color variants, or significant printing varieties are apparent from the visual analysis. The 1980 date appears as 'ND (1980)' in catalog notation, indicating this is from the undated series. Future research might identify serial number prefix varieties or signature varieties if multiple chairmen served during this issue's production run; however, the present specimen represents the standard 1980 variety with no unusual markings or varieties observed.
