Catalog
| Issuer | Samoa |
|---|---|
| Year | 1967 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Sene (0.01 WST) |
| Currency | Tala (1967-date) |
| Composition | Bronze (Copper 97%, Zinc 2.5%, Tin 0.5%) |
| Weight | 1.7500 g |
| Diameter | 17.53 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#1, Schön#1 |
| Obverse description | Portrait of Malietoa Tanumafili II facing left. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
MALIETOA TANUMAFILI II SAMOA I SISIFO HP (Translation: Western Samoa) |
| Reverse description | Southern Cross surrounds denomination in wreath, date above. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | 1967 SE 1 NE |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1967 - - 500 000 1967 - Proof - 15 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 4520243960 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1967 1 Sene, featuring Malietoa Tanumafili II, marks a pivotal moment in Samoan numismatic history. Issued five years post-independence (1962), this coin introduced Samoa's national currency, the Sene and Tala, replacing the New Zealand Pound. Malietoa Tanumafili II, as O le Ao o le Malo for life, guided Samoa's formative years. This inaugural issue, KM#1, symbolizes the nation's newfound economic autonomy and identity.
Artistry: The 1967 1 Sene exhibits a modern, post-colonial aesthetic, likely influenced by British Royal Mint engravers. The obverse presents a dignified effigy of Malietoa Tanumafili II, rendered with clear, realistic lines. The reverse prominently features a traditional Samoan tanoa (kava bowl), a culturally significant artifact, encircled by the denomination "1 SENE" and the year "1967". This design effectively blends the head of state's authority with a powerful symbol of Samoan cultural heritage.
Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze (97% Copper, 2.5% Zinc, 0.5% Tin), this 17.53 mm, 1.75-gram coin displays typical modern base metal qualities. High-points for grading include Malietoa Tanumafili II's hair and brow on the obverse, and the tanoa bowl's rim and legs on the reverse. Well-struck examples exhibit sharp detail in these areas and clear lettering. Lower-grade specimens often show flatness on high-points and diminished luster, typically a satiny sheen.