The terms tālā and sene are cognates of the English words dollar and cent in the Samoan language.
In 1967, five and a half years after independence, new coins and notes were introduced replacing the New Zealand Pound as the official currency.
In 1974, a new coin series was introduced, designed by James Berry with a theme centred on locally grown food plants.
Although $1 tālā pieces had been introduced in earlier years, this coin's bulky size and weight along with the favoured use of the equivalent banknote never saw to popular and widespread use.
The new coins feature the then Head of State, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and are themed around local culture.
The new coin series also includes a new scalloped edge $2 struck in bronze plated steel intended to replace the 2 Tala polymer banknote.
As Samoan coins are prone to heavy wear and use, the designs and composition were also studied and chosen with this in mind.
[7] On 29 September 1991, a $2 note was issued to commemorate the Golden Jubilee (50th anniversary) of Malietoa Tanumafili II as head of state.
In 2008 a new series in denominations of $5 to $100 produced by De La Rue was introduced with brighter colours, new security features, and modern designs.
The two highest denominations ($50 and $100) are protected with De La Rue's Optiks security thread which features a see-through window.