World Polymer Banknotes
Western Samoa (ws) - P31a

Commemorative Note
Issued 1990
Commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Service of his Highness
the Head of State of Western Samoa (Samoa)
Prefix AAJ Radar no - Engraved
Obverse
Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II
Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II GCMG CBE was born on 04/01/1913 as the son and third child of Malietoa Tanumafili I and Momoe Lupeuluiva Meleisea. He is one of the paramount chiefs, Malietoa (since 1939), and the current head of state of Samoa. He holds this position for life. He descends from Samoa's four princely families (Aiga Tupu) and holds the title Malietoa, one of the paramount titles. Upon Samoa's independence in 1962, he was joint head of state with Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole. When the latter died in 1963, he became sole head of state. Malietoa Tanumafili is the third-longest serving head of state in the world, after the King of Thailand and Queen Elizabeth II.

It should be noted that Malietoa Tanumafili is not a king, but rather a president for life. After his death a new head of state will be selected; the office is not inheritable.
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Reverse
Family scene

Foot Note



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