Samoa's 1967 coinage, of which this piece is part, marked the first decimal issue for the newly independent nation — independence having been granted by New Zealand in 1962, making it the first Pacific Island state to achieve it in the twentieth century. Tanumafili II, joint Head of State at the time of striking, would eventually become sole Head of State after the death of his co-ruler Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole in 1963, and held the position until his own death in 2007.
Samoa's 1967 coinage, of which this piece is part, marked the first decimal issue for the newly independent nation — independence having been granted by New Zealand in 1962, making it the first Pacific Island state to achieve it in the twentieth century. Tanumafili II, joint Head of State at the time of striking, would eventually become sole Head of State after the death of his co-ruler Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole in 1963, and held the position until his own death in 2007.