On September 10, 2026, the Central Bank of Samoa officially unveiled a new 100 Tala commemorative banknote dedicated to the life and legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The release marks the centenary of her birth—the future queen was born in 1926.

Status and Purpose

The banknote is legal tender in Samoa, but it is not intended for general circulation. It is a commemorative release aimed at collectors and the general public.

Why 100 Tala

The choice of denomination is not accidental: the amount of 100 Tala symbolically represents the centenary of the Queen's birth. The design also references an important historical event—the visit of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to what was then Western Samoa on February 11, 1977, as part of her Silver Jubilee tour. It was the first visit by a reigning British monarch to Samoa, and they were welcomed by the head of state, Malietoa Tanumafili II. The event remains one of the most significant in the country's modern history.

Obverse Design

The front of the banknote is built around an iconic engraved childhood portrait of the Queen, based on a 1934 photograph by Marcus Adams originally used on the 1935 Canadian banknote. This portrait is complemented by two other images from different periods of Elizabeth II's life:

  • a 1951 photograph by Yousuf Karsh, taken when she was still a princess;

  • a 2007 photograph by Bill Ingalls, showing the Queen in her later years.

Reverse Design

The back of the banknote features Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and Malietoa Tanumafili II—a composition based on original photographs from the historic 1977 visit.

Symbolism and National Motifs

In addition to the royal theme, the banknote incorporates elements closely tied to Samoa's national identity:

  • Samoan frangipani (plumeria)—a symbol of beauty, charm, and grace;

  • Immaculate Conception Cathedral—one of Samoa's oldest churches, recently restored and expanded, honoring the Christian faith of the Samoan people;

  • tropical vegetation and Fuipisia Falls—highlighting the islands' natural beauty;

  • a green sea turtle, an outrigger canoe, and an 18th-century sailing ship set against warm blue ocean waves—referencing Samoa's wildlife, seafaring heritage, and history;

  • the ruins of the London Missionary Society church in the Sale'aula lava field on Savai'i Island—a reminder of the islands' volcanic origins.

Production

The project was developed in collaboration between the Central Bank of Samoa and the Slovenian company PBN Currency Solutions.

Based on the official press release of the Central Bank of Samoa, September 10, 2026.