Samoa's 1967 coinage marked the first issue under the nation's post-independence decimal system, replacing the New Zealand pound-based currency that had circulated during the UN Trust Territory period. Tanumafili II, who co-headed the state alongside Malietoa Tanumafili II's fellow paramount chief Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole until the latter's death in 1963, had by this issue become sole O le Ao o le Malo — head of state for life.
The series was struck at the Royal Mint. Tanumafili II would hold office until his death in 2007, giving this inaugural issue a remarkably long reign association by any standard.
Samoa's 1967 coinage marked the first issue under the nation's post-independence decimal system, replacing the New Zealand pound-based currency that had circulated during the UN Trust Territory period. Tanumafili II, who co-headed the state alongside Malietoa Tanumafili II's fellow paramount chief Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole until the latter's death in 1963, had by this issue become sole O le Ao o le Malo — head of state for life.
The series was struck at the Royal Mint. Tanumafili II would hold office until his death in 2007, giving this inaugural issue a remarkably long reign association by any standard.