Samoa 5 Tala 2023 Pick 47 Polymer UNC Banknote

The Samoa 5 Tala 2023 Pick 47 represents an important technological upgrade to one of Samoa’s most frequently used denominations.

Rather than introducing an entirely new artistic theme, the Central Bank of Samoa retained the familiar design of the previous paper N$5 and transferred it to a more durable polymer substrate, adding new security features specifically designed for polymer.

The banknote was officially released into circulation on 18 December 2023 and is catalogued as Pick 47. cbs.gov.ws

Presented in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, it is an attractive contemporary Oceanian banknote combining tropical scenery, literary history and modern polymer technology.

Historical Background

In December 2023, the Central Bank of Samoa announced the conversion of its 5, 10 and 20 Tala banknotes from cotton-based paper to polymer.

The change was primarily intended to improve durability, cleanliness and security, particularly for lower denominations that experience considerable wear during everyday circulation. The N$5 was the first of the upgraded notes to enter circulation, followed by the N$10 and N$20 in 2024. cbs.gov.ws

The notes were designed and printed by De La Rue using its SAFEGUARD® polymer substrate. cbs.gov.ws

Technical Specifications

Country: Samoa
Denomination: 5 Tala
Year: 2023
Pick Number: P-47
Banknote Book: B123a
Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
Issuer: Central Bank of Samoa
Currency: Samoan Tala (WST)
Material: SAFEGUARD® Polymer
Dimensions: approximately 139 × 71 mm
Dominant Colour: Red / multicolour
Issue Date: 18 December 2023
Printer: De La Rue
Signatures: Lautimuia Uelese Va’ai / Maiava Ainuu-Enari
Type: Standard circulation banknote cbs.gov.ws

Obverse

The obverse features:

Beautiful sandy beach in Samoa
Tropical coastal landscape
Teuila flower
Transparent polymer window
Central Bank of Samoa inscriptions
Five Tala / Lima Tala denomination
Serial numbers
Signatures of the Minister of Finance and Governor

The Central Bank explains that the tropical beach was selected to represent tourism, one of Samoa’s important economic activities. cbs.gov.ws

The colourful coastal scene also makes P-47 one of the most immediately recognisable modern Pacific polymer banknotes.

Reverse

The reverse features:

Villa Vailima
Coat of Arms of Samoa
Teuila flower
Central Bank of Samoa inscriptions
Five Tala denomination
Decorative Polynesian-inspired elements

Villa Vailima, located near Apia, was the residence of famous Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson, author of works including Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Stevenson spent the final years of his life in Samoa and became known locally as Tusitala, meaning “Teller of Tales.” His former residence is now the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. banknotenews.com

Security Features

The transition to polymer allowed the Central Bank to enhance the security of the denomination while maintaining its familiar imagery.

Features include:

Transparent polymer window
Teuila flower integrated into the transparent window
Complex transparent and printed elements
Raised printing
Fine-line security patterns
Microprinting
UV-reactive elements
Detailed multicolour printing
Serial numbering

Unlike conventional paper notes, the P-47 has no traditional watermark or embedded security thread; its polymer substrate and transparent-window technology perform an important part of its anti-counterfeiting function. banknotenews.com

Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?

The Samoa 5 Tala 2023 Pick 47 Polymer UNC banknote is an attractive example of the continuing global transition from traditional paper money to modern polymer currency.

It is particularly suitable for collectors of Samoa banknotes, Oceanian currency, polymer notes, tropical-themed banknotes, Robert Louis Stevenson memorabilia, literary-themed currency and modern UNC world banknotes.

Collector’s Note

Pick 47 is the first polymer version of Samoa’s regular 5 Tala denomination. The Central Bank deliberately retained the imagery of the preceding cotton-paper note while upgrading the substrate and security technology. cbs.gov.ws

Another useful identification detail is the AA prefix, associated with the initial regular 2023 issue. Replacement notes are known with a ZZ prefix, making these especially interesting to collectors specialising in prefix and replacement-note varieties. Numista

The 5 Tala also forms part of Samoa’s new polymer trio: P-47 5 Tala, P-48 10 Tala and P-49 20 Tala, making the three denominations an attractive modern set. banknoteworld.org