Seven sides to kill the banknote: Samoa’s 1984 $1 — aluminum-bronze, seven-sided, issued to replace the $1 note.
History
- In 1984 Samoa introduced a seven-sided 1 tālā in aluminum bronze, intended to replace the $1 banknote.
- The state emblem appears on the reverse; the unusual shape made it instantly recognizable by touch.
- Its bulky size and weight worked against it, and the public preferred the note — circulation was limited.
Key dates & varieties
- 1984 first year of the seven-sided aluminum-bronze type.
Specifications
- Seven-sided (equilateral curve heptagon), aluminum-bronze.
Collector notes
- The shape is the identifier — no other Samoan coin looks like it.
- Uncirculated examples are the hunt; most that circulated show heavy wear on the seven high points.