1 Tala 1978, Airplane [Samoa]

Coins-Australia and Oceania

Reverse
The central part of the reverse features a relief map of the route of the first flight across the Pacific Ocean, with the aircraft 'Southern Cross' superimposed. At the top, following the coin's edge, is the text 'FIRST PACIFIC FLIGHT', with the mint year '1978' below. Above the route is the year of the flight '1928', and below it is the signature 'C KingsfordSmith'. To the right is a left-facing profile portrait of the aircraft's first pilot, Charles Kingsford Smith. Below the truncation are the initials of the artist George James Berry - 'JB'. All inscriptions are in English.
Obverse
The central part depicts the coat of arms of Western Samoa: against a background of radial patterns, a heraldic shield with a stylized depiction of the 'Southern Cross' constellation, ocean waves, and a coconut palm. Above the shield is a cross, with olive branches on either side. At the base of the coat of arms is the motto 'God is the Foundation of Samoa' in the Samoan language 'FA'AVAE I LE ATUA SAMOA'. At the top, following the coin's edge, is the name of the state 'Western Samoa' in the Samoan language 'SAMOA I SISIFO', with the inscription '$ 1' below.