The currency of Samoa is the Tālā, the name of which is a transliteration of the English words Dollar; it was introduced in 1967. On coinage sometimes the English word is inscribed, especially on commemorative and bullion coins not intended to circulate within the country.
Samoa has authorised some private mints to issue coins under its jurisdiction, which come in a variety of sizes - including in the internationally popular half gram of gold mini-coin format, such as this one.
This coin is part of a ten-coin series dedicated to the Gods of Olympus (the pantheon of Ancient Greece), and features Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, wild animals, nature, vegetation, childbirth, care of children, and chastity. |
| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin features the Coat of Arms of Samoa. It consists of a shield, the lower two-thirds of which have five stars representing the constellation of the Southern Cross; the upper third depicts a beach and a coconut palm. The shield is surmounted by a cross with rays radiating from its centre, and is superimposed on two concentric circles representing the world, and an olive branch wreath - as in the United Nations Badge. On a ribbon below, the motto FA'AVAE I LE ATUA SAMOA, meaning "God be the Foundation of Samoa".
Around above, the name of the country and the date of issue: SAMOA 2016.
In the exergue, the face value $1 (one dollar/tala).
Around right in small letters facing outward, the precious metal content 0.5 g Au 585 (half gram of 58.5% gold). |
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse of the coin shows the Greek goddess Artemis holding a bow; behind her, a doe.
Around above right, the inscription ARTEMIS. In the right field, the overlapping letters GO (for Gods of Olympus).
Around below, the name of the series, GODS OF OLYMPUS. The rest of the rim is decorated with an Ancient Greek geometric pattern. |
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