Western Samoan pound facts for kids

The pound was the money used in Western Samoa for many years. It was the official currency from 1914 until 1967. Just like how a dollar can be split into 100 cents, the Samoan pound was divided into smaller parts. One pound was equal to 20 shillings. Each shilling was then made up of 12 pence.

How Samoa's Money Changed

From German Marks to Pounds

In 1914, something big happened in Samoa. New Zealand took control of what was then called German Samoa. Before this, the money used was the German gold mark. But after New Zealand arrived, the pound sterling (the money from the United Kingdom) became the new currency.

New Zealand's Influence on the Pound

The money in Western Samoa followed what happened with the New Zealand pound. In 1930, during a tough economic time called the Great Depression, the New Zealand pound became worth less compared to the British pound. The Samoan pound did the same thing.

At first, people in Western Samoa used coins from the United Kingdom. But after 1934, most of the coins in circulation were the newer ones from New Zealand. There were no special coins made just for Western Samoa during this time.

The Switch to the Tala

In 1967, New Zealand changed its money system. They switched to a decimal system, which means their money was based on units of 10, like dollars and cents. When this happened, the Western Samoan pound was also replaced. The new money was called the tālā. One pound was exchanged for two tala.

Banknotes Used in Samoa

Early Notes from the Military

The first paper money for Western Samoa came out in 1915. These were temporary notes issued by the New Zealand military forces who were in charge. They were actually Bank of New Zealand notes that had "one pound" or "five pound" printed over them. A military officer, Lt. Colonel Logan, signed these notes. In 1920, "ten shillings" notes were also added.

Treasury Notes and the Bank of Western Samoa

In 1922, new notes called "Treasury Notes" were issued. These were approved by the New Zealand Government. They came in values of 10 shillings, 1 pound, and 5 pounds. These notes were used until 1961.

After 1961, the Bank of Western Samoa started to issue paper money. Their first notes were also overprints on the old Treasury Notes. Then, in 1963, the bank introduced its own new designs for the 10 shillings, 1 pound, and 5 pound notes.