plastic notes
p. 16 · Read in the full issue
Paying cash in plastic notes
WESTERN Samoa has become the second country after Australia to introduce a polymer (plastic) currency note for general circulation. It is a 2 tala note printed on polymer material developed in Australia and issued through commercial banks on November 14. The new note marks the 50 years of service of the Head of State, Malietoa Tanumafili II since he was bestowed the paramount title Malietoa in 1940. The Head of State was presented the first 2 tala polymer note on November 7.
The Centrl Bank expects the plastic
money too last longer than the T 2 paper money which will be gradually phased out. The T 2 is the most commonly used currency. The Head of State is depicted on the obverse (front) alongside a village, while the reverse (back) shows a family scene with six adults and two young children. Security features include a see through area containing the picture of a kava bowl, and a composite is visible when the note is held up to the light.
Australia first issued a plastic note in 1983. Singapore released a high denomi nation commemorative polymer note this year which is note in general circulation. Western Samoa plans to introduce T5O and TlOO paper notes by January.