25 Cents Eurasian Eagle-owl

Issuer	Central Bank of Samoa
Year	2024
Type	Log in to see details
Value	Log in to see details
Currency	Tala (1967-date)
Composition	Log in to see details
Weight	Log in to see details
Diameter	Log in to see details
Thickness	Log in to see details
Shape	Log in to see details
Technique	Log in to see details
Orientation	Log in to see details
Engraver(s)	Log in to see details
In circulation to	Log in to see details
Reference(s)	Log in to see details

Obverse description	The obverse features a deeply concave field designed to evoke the interior of an owl's nest, with finely detailed twigs and nesting material rendered in high relief across the entire border, creating a naturalistic three-dimensional effect. At the center, a large egg-shaped raised dome dominates the composition, upon which the arms of Samoa are engraved, depicting a shield with the Southern Cross constellation and a coconut palm, surmounted by a cross, and supported by olive branches, with the national motto 'FA'AVAE I LE ATUA SAMOA' inscribed on a scroll beneath. The legend 'SAMOA' and the date '2024' appear in the upper field above the central device, while the denomination '25 Cents' is inscribed in the lower field. The entire piece is struck with an antique finish that accentuates the rich sculptural depth of the design.
Obverse script	Log in to see details
Obverse lettering	SAMOA 2024 FA'AVAE I LE ATUA SAMOA 25 Cents
Reverse description	The reverse presents an extraordinarily detailed high-relief portrait of a Eurasian Eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) perched frontally within a natural rocky crevice, its prominent ear tufts erect and its large, deeply sculpted round eyes staring directly forward with striking intensity. The plumage is rendered with exceptional craftsmanship, depicting the layered feathers of the breast, wings, and facial disc with fine textural precision consistent with the antique finish technique. The background features rugged rock formations and gnarled branches in high relief, further enhancing the naturalistic, almost sculptural quality of the composition. The scientific name 'BUBO BUBO' is inscribed along the upper left arc of the field in bold serif lettering, serving as the sole legend on this face.
Reverse script	Log in to see details
Reverse lettering	Log in to see details
Edge	Log in to see details
Mint	Log in to see details
Mintage	Log in to see details
Additional information	Log in to see details