...Malaysia - ND2019 Signed By Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus Tenure 2018-2023

Malaysia

 

Bank Negara Malaysia (Central Bank of Malaysia Est.1959)

Currency - Ringgit

 

Here is a full set of six notes from 1 to 100 ringgit all bearing the bank's governor's signature of Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus. This series was first introduced on 05.07.2009 with the 50 ringgit.

 

According to the central bank's website, this is Malaysia's fourth series of banknotes since 1967. Prior to 1967, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore all shared a common currency issued by the Board of Commissioners of Currency Malaya and British Borneo. This arrangement ended and in 1967 and Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore all went their separate ways and thus issued their own currency.

 

As Malaysia has a federal constitutional monarchy system, all banknotes issued since 1967, featured a portrait of the first elected King (Agong), Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tunku Muhammad (b.1895-1960) of Negeri Sembilan. Since then, his portrait has been printed on all banknotes issued, including the 2017 commemorative series of 60 and 600 ringgit.

 

This series of notes all bear the signature of the Governor Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus. Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus was the second woman appointed as the Central Bank governor and she only served one term of 5 years, from 2018 to 2023. She was the 9th central bank governor appointed since 1959. She has been an employee of the central bank since 1987. She was succeeded by Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abdul Ghaffour, who was then her deputy. 

Satu Ringgit

One Ringgit Polymer

 

Front - Portrait of the first Agong (King), Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tunku Muhammad (b.1895-1960). Tuanku Abdul Rahman was the Yang di-Pertuan Besar (He Who Is Made Chief Ruler) of Negeri Sembilan. He was the Ruler of the State from 1933 to until his death in 1960. Tuanku Abdul Rahman was elected as the King of Malaya on 31.08.1957 following Malaya gaining independence from the British. The selection for the position of King of Malaya (now Malaysia) was decided by the Paramount Ruler of independent Malaya which comprises all the nine Rulers (Sultan/Raja) of Malaya. He won the votes by 8 to 1, beating the more senior Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Abu Bakar. He was installed as King on 02.09.1957.

Signature - Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus (tenure 2018-2023)

Dimensions - 120mm x 65mm 

 

Back - Traditional Kelantanese kite flying. The kite in Malay is called Wau Bulan. Family having fund at the beach. The logo of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is based on the design of this kite.

 

Replacement Prefix ZF

 

Lima Ringgit

Five Ringgit Polymer

 

Front - The term for Malaysia King is for five years and unfortunately Tuanku Abdul Rahman did not serve his full term and died on 01.04.1960. He was succeeded by Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah Al-Haj (b.1898-1960) from the State of Selangor. Well, he didn't last long either as he too did not manage to serve his full term either and died on 01.09.1960, barely 5 months into the role.

 

Signature - Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus (tenure 2018-2023)

Dimensions - 135.5mm x 65mm 

 

Back - A pair of Rhinoceros Hornbill. These are native birds of Borneo (Malaysia and Indonesia) as well as Thailand. The Rhinoceros Hornbill is also the state bird of Sarawak.

 

 

Ten Ringgit Paper

 Sepuluh Ringgit

 

Front - Tuanku Abdul Rahman was the second son of Tuanku Muhammad and Tunku Puan Chik. He had an elder brother, Tunku Abdul Aziz but he died in 1917, and since then he had been groomed as heir to the Negeri Sembilan's throne. 

 

Signature - Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus (tenure 2018-2023)

Watermarks - Tuanku Abdul Rahman and electrotype 10

Dimensions - 141mm x 65.5mm

 

Back - A giant Rafflesia flower. The Rafflesia can be found growing in the States of Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Terengganu and in Borneo. The Rafflesia is known to be the largest flower and is a native to Southeast Asia's rainforests. The Rafflesia is a popular tourist attraction due to the size of the flower.

 

Twenty Ringgit Paper

Dua Puluh Ringgit

 

Front - In 1925, Tuanku Abdul Rahman went to England to read Laws and three years later he qualified as a barrister from Inner Temple. In late 1928, he returned to Malaya and worked in various departments in the government. He succeeded to the Negeri Sembilan throne following the death of his father in 1933.

 

Signature - Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus (tenure 2018-2023)

Watermarks - Tuanku Abdul Rahman and electrotype 20

Dimensions - 147mm x 66mm

 

Last Prefix - DH

Back - Hawksbill and leatherback turtles swimming in a coral reef. The hawksbill turtles are found mainly resting along the State of Melaka, whilst the leatherback turtles can be found on Turtle Islands in the east coast of Sabah.

 

Fifty Ringgit Paper

Lima Puluh Ringgit

 

Front - Tuanku Abdul Rahman died in his sleep in the early morning of 01.04.1960. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Tuanku Munawir (b.1922-1967).

 

Signature - Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus (tenure 2018-2023)

Watermarks - Tuanku Abdul Rahman and electrotype 50

Dimensions - 146mm x 69mm

 

First Prefix PC

Back - Oil palm trees. Malaysia and Indonesia grow around 85-90% of the world's oil palm trees. To the center right is the image of Tunku Abdul Rahman (b.1903-1990), the first Prime Minister of Malaysia (1957-1990). The image is taken from him proclaiming independence on 31.08.1957. The design for this note was first introduced on 26.12.2007, when a commemorative note was released, celebrating the country's 50th Independence anniversary. The commemorative note was printed with the Independence logo on the back, above the watermark area. The above note was then reprinted for general circulation and was first introduced on 15.07.2009 without the commemorative logo.

 

Replacement Prefix - ZH

Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tunku Muhammad (b.1895-1960)

 

Replacement prefix - ZJ

 

Normal prefix

One Hundred Ringgit

Seratus Ringgit

 

Front - Tuanku Abdul Rahman married four times. The first two marriages ended in divorce and the third and fourth wives were related - cousins. In all he produced three sons and five daughters. Two of his sons succeeded him as the Chief Ruler of Negeri Sembilan.  

 

Signature - Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus (tenure 2018-2023)

Watermarks - Tuanku Abdul Rahman and electrotype 100

Dimensions - 150.5mm x 69.5mm

Back - Image of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, and pinnacles rock formation of Gunung Api valley. Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Malaysia, whilst Gunung (mountain) Api is located at the Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak.

 

...Philippines - Polymer Series 2024 - 2025 Smarter, Cleaner And Stronger Series

Republika ng Pilipinas

(Republic of The Philippines)

Bango Sentral ng Pilipinas

(Central Bank of The Philippines, Est.1949)

Currency - Piso (PHP)

 

On 19.12.2024, the Governor of the Central Bank of the Philippines, Eli M. Remolona launched the three new polymer notes of 50, 100 and 500 piso. These three notes were complete the polymer series, since the first denomination of 1000 piso was introduced in 2022. For the three notes posted here, the 50 piso note is dated 2025, and the remaining two are dated 2024. For the purpose of this post, I have also included the 1000 piso issued earlier with the year date of 2024.

 

The message to the people for introducing polymer banknotes is that they are Smarter, Cleaner and Stronger: -

Smarter - It incorporates advanced anti-counterfeiting features and also a smaller carbon footprint;

Cleaner - Virus and bacteria do not survive as long on polymer note that those paper banknotes; and

Stronger - In general, polymer can last 2.5 times longer that paper banknotes.

 

This series of polymer notes were released on 23.12.2024 but only available mainly in the Greater Manila area, and fully released to the public for circulation in the first quarter of 2025.

 

The central bank also announced that the 20 piso is not part of this new polymer series as it has since been replaced by a coin, and the 200 piso is also not included as this note is unpopular in the country since it was first introduced in 2010. The last 20 piso paper banknote was issued in 2023.

 

For this new polymer series, it features the country's biodiversity, and it showcase various aspects of the country's national pride. The features on the notes also help promoting the country;s identity.

 

Fifty Piso

 

President - Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr.

Governor - Eli M Remolona Jr (since 2023)

Date - 2025 

Dimensions - 160mm x 66mm

 

Front - The 50-piso polymer banknote highlights the endemic subspecies and vulnerable Visayan leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis rabori), found in the islands of Panay, Negros, and Cebu. This elusive cat embodies strength, agility, curiosity, self-reliance, and independence. The banknote also features Vidal’s lanutan (Hibiscus campylosiphon), a large endemic flower with a red center, found across the country.

 

Back - The reverse side shows the Taal Lake and the native maliputo fish (Caranx ignobilis), highlighting our rich aquatic biodiversity. It also features an intricate embroidery design handcrafted in Batangas.

 

 

One Hundred Piso

 

President - Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr.

Governor - Eli M Remolona Jr (since 2023)

Date - 2024

Dimensions - 160mm x 66mm

Front - The 100-piso polymer banknote features the endemic and endangered Palawan peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron napoleonis) or tandikan. Representing strength, beauty, and grace, it is a strong flier with iridescent tail feathers. The banknote also shows the Ceratocentron fesselii, an endemic and critically endangered orchid with beautiful orange blooms, found in Luzon and Negros. 

Back - The reverse side features the iconic Mayon Volcano and the native and endangered whale shark (Rhincodon typus), celebrating the country’s natural grandeur. It also highlights an indigenous weave design from the Bicol Region.  

Five Hundred Piso 

 

President - Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr.

Governor - Eli M Remolona Jr (since 2023)

Date - 2024

Dimensions -160mm x 66mm

 

Front - The 500-piso polymer banknote features the endemic and critically endangered Visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi), which is found in the lush rainforests of Panay and Negros. Known for keen senses, it symbolizes clarity and sharpness. Also showcased is the Acanthephippium mantinianum, an endemic orchid with red-striped, yellow flowers, found across Luzon, Mindoro, Panay, Negros, and Leyte. It is believed that the Visayan deer is an endangered species of deer and with a popular of less than 3,000.

 

Back - The reverse side highlights the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the native and critically endangered blue-naped parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis), symbols of the country’s rich biodiversity, and an indigenous weave design from southern Philippines.

 

One Thousand Piso

 

President - Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr

Governor - Eli M Remolona Jr (since 2023)

Date - 2024

Dimensions - 161mm x 66.5mm

 

Front - The front features two main national symbols of the country. Firstly, is the Philippines Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi). This is one of the rarest birds in the world, and it is believed that there are less than 500 birds in the country. The Philippines eagle represents the country's uniqueness, strength, power, and love for freedom, as well as a sharp vision for the future. The other symbol is the Sampaguita (Jasminum sambac flower) in the form of a see-through window. The Sampaguita symbolises purity, simplicity, humility, and strength. On the right is another see-through window, and on the window, it features the National Coat of Arms, and beneath that is the new logo of the Central Bank of The Philippines.

 

Back - The design on the back is basically the same as the last paper banknote issued. On the left is the outline map of the Philippines. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Site, is printed on the background, with a turtle swimming and below that is a South Sea Pearl oyster. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is situated between the main island of Mindanao and the island of Palawan. A colourful Lion fish is also depicted swimming in the reef. On the right is the strip weaver design called T'nalak. This feature was first introduced on the 1000 piso paper note issued in 2020 as the Windowed Security Thread (WST).

...Thailand - 2022 Full Set Of Five Notes

ราชอาณาจักรไทย

(Kingdom of Thailand)

 

Bank of Thailand, Est.1942

(ธนาคารแห่งประเทศไทย)

Currency : Baht (THB) 

 

Here is a full set of five banknotes. These notes belong to the 17 Series, which was first introduced in 2017 and 2018. Since then, there were few reprints issued but not in full sets. The below notes were reportedly released in (nd)2022 and I believe these are the only full sets issued since these were first introduced in 2017. The 20 baht note has since been replaced by a polymer series, whilst the rest are still printed on paper materials.

 

The designs on the front are all the same, with the portrait of the current King of Thailand, King Rama X in his Air Force Marshal uniform. On the back, from 20 baht to 1000 baht, there are printed with two portraits of the Thai Kings, representing the Chakri Dynasty since 1782. Needless to say, the current King appears twice on the 1000 baht, both front and back.

Twenty Baht

 

Front - Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun

Watermarks - King and electrotype 20

Dimensions - 139mm x 72.5mm

Back - The first Chakri dynasty king, King Rama I; Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok (1782-1809) & King Rama II; Phra Phutthaloetla Naphalai (1809-1824) [son of Rama I]

Fifty Baht

 

Watermarks - King and electrotype 50

Dimensions - 145mm x 73mm

 

 

Back - King Rama III; Nangklao (1824-1851) [son of Rama II] & King Rama IV; Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramenthra Maha Mongkut Phra Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua (1851-1868) [son of Rama II]

 

 

One Hundred Baht

 

Watermarks - King and electrotype 100

Dimensions - 151mm x 73mm

 

Back - King Rama V; Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poraminthra Maha Chulalongkorn Phra Chunla Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua (1868-1910) [son of Rama IV] & King Rama VI; Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramenthra Maha Vajiravudh Phra Mongkut Klao Chao Yu Hua (1910-1925) [son of Rama V]

 

Five Hundred Baht

 

Watermarks - King and electrotype 500

Dimensions - 157mm x 72.5mm

 

 

Back - King Rama VII; Somdet Chaofa Prajadhipok Sakdidej (1925-1935) [son of Rama V] & King Rama VIII; Ananda Mahidol (1935-1946 suicide/murdered aged 20) [grandson of Rama V];

 

 

One Thousand Baht

 

Watermarks - King and electrotype 1000

Dimensions - 163mm x 73mm

 

 

Back - King Rama IX; Bhumibol Adulyadej (1946-2016) [grandson of Rama V] & King Rama X; Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (since 13.10.2016) [son of Rama IX].

 

...Brunei - 1 Ringgit 2019 Reprint Polymer

Negara Brunei Darussalam

(نڬارا بروني دارالسلام‎)

(Brunei)

 

Bank Pusat Brunei Darussalam

(Brunei Darussalam Central Bank)

Currency - Ringgit (BND)

 

Posted below is the reprint of the 2011 series of 1 ringgit. It is not sure if other denominations with the year date of 2019 have been printed and awaiting to be issued.

 

As this is a reprint, the designs on both the front and the back are the same, except that this one has a year date of 2019 printed on the back of the note.

 

This 2019 print was first reported in 2019 when an uncut sheet of 2 was released to celebrate the Sultan's 73rd birthday. Only 600 sets were issued for this special occasion.

Like all banknotes issued in Brunei, the signature on the note belongs to the Sultan of Brunei.

One Ringgit

 

Signature - Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah

Watermarks - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

Dimensions - 141.5mm x 69.5mm

 

Front - Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah (b.1946-). He has been the Sultan of Brunei since 05.10.1967, when he succeeded his late father, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien (b.1914-1986). Apart from being the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah also holds the positions of Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Minister of Defence and Minister of Foreign Affairs. In the center is the flower called Dillenia Suffruticosa (Simpur Rancah) or simply known as Bunga (flower) Simpur. The simpur is a large shrub which can grow up to 10 meters in height. This species is commonly found in secondary sub-tropical South Asia, Australasia and the Indian Ocean islands.

Back - The aerial view of the capital city of Bandar Sri Begawan, including the national mosque Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and surrounding building. This mosque is a landmark in the capital city and was built and completed in 1958.

 

...Philippines - 1000 Piso Polymer Reprint Dated 2024

Republika ng Pilipinas

(Republic of The Philippines)

Bango Sentral ng Pilipinas

(Central Bank of The Philippines, Est.1949)

Currency - Piso (PHP)

 

This is a reprint of the 1000 piso polymer note. This series of polymer notes was first introduced on 18.04.2022, and the note was dated 2022. The note posted here is dated 2024.

The design of this 2024 note is the same except for the Governor's signature and of course for the year printed.

 

One Thousand Piso

Signatures

President - Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Romualdez Marcos Jr (tenure 30.06.2022-30.06.2028)

Governor - Eli M Remolona Jr (since 2023)

Date - 2024

Dimensions - 161mm x 66.5mm

 

Front - The front features two main national symbols of the country. Firstly, is the Philippines Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi). This is one of the rarest birds in the world, and it is believed that there are less than 500 birds in the country. The Philippines eagle represents the country's uniqueness, strength, power, and love for freedom, as well as a sharp vision for the future. The other symbol is the Sampaguita (Jasminum sambac flower) in the form of a see-through window. The Sampaguita symbolises purity, simplicity, humility, and strength. On the right is another see-through window, and on the window, it features the National Coat of Arms, and beneath that is the new logo of the Central Bank of The Philippines.

 

Back - The design on the back is basically the same as the last paper banknote issued. On the left is the outline map of the Philippines. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Site, is printed on the background, with a turtle swimming and below that is a South Sea Pearl oyster. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is situated between the main island of Mindanao and the island of Palawan. A colourful Lion fish is also depicted swimming in the reef. On the right is the strip weaver design called T'nalak. This feature was first introduced on the 1000 piso paper note issued in 2020 as the Windowed Security Thread (WST).