WST - Samoan Tala

The Origin of the Samoan Tala

Before becoming an independent nation, Samoa was a colony of New Zealand and used the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). However, on July 10, 1967, five years after gaining independence from New Zealand in 1962, Samoa introduced the Tala as its official currency, replacing the New Zealand Dollar at a one-to-one exchange rate (1 Tala = 1 NZD). This transition allowed the Polynesian nation greater monetary independence. By 1975, the Tala began to float freely in the market.

In 1985, the Central Bank of Samoa replaced the Western Samoa Bank as the monetary authority of the country. The Central Bank introduced higher denominations such as the 50 and 100 Tala notes in 1990 and discontinued the issuance of the 1 Tala note.

Today, Tala banknotes reflect the rich culture of Samoa, featuring iconic images such as the house of Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson, the headquarters of the Central Bank of Samoa, and the Manumea pigeon—the national bird of Samoa. These banknotes not only serve as a financial instrument but also embody cultural and historical values, showcasing Samoa's identity to the world.

The Exchange Rate of the Tala and Its Impact on the Economy

The exchange rate of the Samoan Tala has remained relatively stable, ranging from $0.38 to $0.46 USD since 2010. As of November 2022, 1 Tala was valued at approximately $0.35 USD. This reflects Samoa's relatively stable economy, despite facing economic challenges. The country's primary exports include frozen fish, poultry meat, fruit juices, and certain petroleum products.

Additionally, the service sector, particularly tourism, plays a vital role in Samoa's economy, accounting for about 50% of its total GDP and creating numerous job opportunities for its citizens. From 2014 to 2019, Samoa experienced low inflation rates, fluctuating between -0.4% and 0.98%, while unemployment remained steady at around 8.5%.

Although the overall standard of living in Samoa is modest, the economy remains relatively stable, with tourism serving as a key contributor to national income and economic growth.

Samoan Tala coins

Before 1967, Samoa used coins issued by New Zealand. After gaining independence, Samoa introduced its own coins in 1967. These included denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 sene, along with 1 tala, all designed to be similar in size to New Zealand coins. The first coin designs featured the national coat of arms of Samoa on one side and a portrait of national leader Malietoa Tanumafili II on the other.

In 1974, a new series of coins was launched, showcasing images of local produce such as coconuts, pineapples, and jackfruit. Notably, the 1 tala coin adopted a seven-sided shape in 1984, replacing the paper note of the same denomination to reduce production costs.

In 2011, the Central Bank of Samoa introduced a new series of coins with smaller sizes and updated shapes to further reduce production expenses. These coins, designed by the Royal Australian Mint, aimed to modernize Samoa’s currency system and enhance usability.

The redesigned coins incorporate cultural elements unique to Samoa, such as the kava bowl—a key symbol in traditional ceremonies—the Teuila flower, and the Manumea bird, the national bird of Samoa.

The current denominations of Samoan Tala coins come as follows:

• 1 sene

• 2 sene

• 5 sene

• 10 sene

• 20 sene

• 50 sene

• 1 tala

• 2 tala

Samoan Tala banknotes

When Samoa gained independence, the Western Samoa Bank issued its first banknotes in 1967, with denominations of 1, 2, and 10 tala. By 1980, the bank introduced a 5 tala note, and in 1985, the Central Bank of Samoa took over and began issuing banknotes under its new name. In 1990, 50 and 100 tala notes were introduced, while the 1 tala note was officially discontinued.

Notably, in 1991, a 2 tala polymer note was released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the reign of King Malietoa Tanumafili II. This was Samoa’s only polymer banknote and was discontinued in 2011, replaced by a 2 tala coin. In 2008, a new series of banknotes ranging from 5 to 100 tala was introduced, featuring vibrant colors, modern designs, and enhanced security features.

Beyond being a medium of exchange, the tala serves as a cultural symbol for the people of Samoa. The imagery on banknotes and coins carries deep cultural significance, reflecting the nation’s history and identity. From the residence of renowned author Robert Louis Stevenson to the depiction of the national coat of arms, the tala connects the present with the past, linking Samoans to their heritage.

The current denominations of Samoan Tala banknotes come as follows:

• 5 tala

• 10 tala

• 20 tala

• 50 tala

• 100 tala

All in all, the Samoan Tala reflects Samoa's cultural heritage and independence. With vibrant designs and traditional symbols, it supports the nation’s economy while embodying its history and aspirations for the future.