New and improved $5 tala, $10 tala and $20 tala banknotes will be added into circulation starting next week according to the Central Bank of Samoa.

C.B.S. has upgraded the current banknotes from cotton-based paper to a polymer substrate marking a significant development in the nation’s currency system. 

In a press statement, the C.B.S. confirmed the upgraded polymer notes will be issued into circulation in stages. 

The $5 tala banknote will be the first to be issued on Monday next week to accommodate the high demand during the festive season followed by $10 tala and $20 tala denominations in the first quarter of 2024. 

“Our current paper $5, $10 and $20 tala will co-circulate during the transition to our new, more durable polymer notes,” said C.B.S.

“Following the successful issuance of the Commemorative $10 polymer note in 2019, C.B.S. has extended this technology to the $5 and $20 tala denominations for the first time. 

The polymer $10 has demonstrated exceptional longevity and maintained a higher quality compared to its paper predecessor.” 

 The polymer banknotes are designed to last longer, stay cleaner, and uphold a higher standard of quality, said the C.B.S. which reflects its commitment to both durability and aesthetics. 

Our lower denomination banknotes are subjected to extreme wear and tear, and it is important that their durability is enhanced. 

The C.B.S. transition to polymer required the existing designs to be updated to take advantage of the unique properties of polymer substrate. 

De La Rue was selected to design and print the new banknotes on the SAFEGUARD® substrate. This selection of polymer enhances the banknotes' durability and their security, setting a new standard in currency performance.

According to C.B.S. the Advanced Security Features Security is paramount and the polymer substrate is not only inherently secure but also incorporates sophisticated security features and distinct properties

The new banknotes include a feature unique to polymer called Tactile Emboss, where a specific pattern of raised dots can be felt on each denomination to assist the visually impaired in identifying their notes. 

(The $5 has 6 dots, the $10 has 8 dots and the $20 has 10 dots). 

The C.B.S. urges all citizens to handle the new banknotes with care, underscoring their role as symbols of national pride and identity. 

 They last well when they are kept unfolded in a wallet or purse. 

They should not be crumbled, bent or folded, exposed to heat, and they should not be stapled, since holes created by staple pins will make them tear easily. 

Proper treatment and maintenance will ensure their longevity and functionality. 

As C.B.S. prepares to launch the polymer upgrade, it reaffirms its dedication to providing secure, high-quality banknotes that not only meet international standards but also represent the spirit and values of Samoa