Date: Wednesday, December 13, 2023
The Central Bank of Samoa announces today the modern changes to its $5, $10, and $20 banknotes by transitioning from the old thin paper to more durable polymeric material, marking the significance of this development in the country’s financial operations.
These new polymeric banknotes will be distributed in planned phases.
The Central Bank will start issuing the $5 polymeric banknotes on Monday, December 18, 2023, to meet the high demand for this denomination during the Christmas season. The $10 and $20 polymeric notes are scheduled to be released in the first quarter of 2024.
The existing $5, $10, and $20 notes will circulate concurrently during the transition to the new polymeric banknotes.
Following the successful introduction of the commemorative $10 polymeric note in 2019, the Central Bank expanded this technology to the $5 and $20 notes for the first time.
The $10 note demonstrated superior strength, longevity, and maintained high quality compared to the paper previously used. The polymeric banknotes are designed to be long-lasting, lightweight, and durable, reflecting the Central Bank of Samoa’s commitment to robust and attractive currency.
The shift to polymeric notes is driven by the vulnerability of paper notes to damage, emphasising the need to enhance the strength and durability of our currency.
NEW DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE
The Central Bank’s transition to polymeric notes requires the existing designs to be adapted to leverage the durability and quality of the polymeric material.
De La Rue in England has been chosen to design and print these new notes on a secure and resilient material that is difficult to damage. The choice of polymeric material will enhance the strength, quality, and security of the banknotes, setting a new standard in currency production.
ENHANCED SECURITY FEATURES
Security is paramount, and the polymeric material not only maintains but enhances the visible security features and clarity of properties.
- The difference in durability between the polymeric and current paper notes is noticeable.
- A clear window displays the Teuila flower on each denomination, making counterfeiting significantly more challenging.
- Under violet light, the GEMINI feature displays in two colors, along with a green block number representation called EMOEMO.
- Special printing techniques ensure high-quality imagery on the polymeric surface, ensuring ink adherence and enhancing the design’s vibrancy.
These visual features are integrated to augment the protection of the new banknotes.
ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES
The new notes include tactile polymeric features for each denomination, assisting those with visual impairments. (The $5 has 6 tactile markings, $10 has 8, and $20 has 10)
CALL FOR CARE AND HANDLING
The Central Bank of Samoa urges all citizens to take good care of these new notes, reinforcing their role as a symbol of national pride and identity.
Proper care involves storing them flat in wallets and avoiding folding, tearing, exposure to heat, or stapling. Such mistreatment can lead to rapid deterioration of the notes. Proper handling ensures their longevity and utility.
As the Central Bank prepares to officially launch these new polymeric banknotes, it reiterates its commitment to providing the best quality, durable, and secure currency, not only meeting international standards but also embodying the true spirit and esteemed cultural values of Samoa.
For more information, please contact the Central Bank of Samoa at telephone number 34100 or email: [email protected]
