...Malaysia - (ND)2019 Replacement Notes Signed By Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus Tenure 2018-2023 Polymer And Paper

Malaysia

 

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

Currency - Ringgit (MYR)

 

On 13.04.2025 I posted 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. You can click onto the link above to view my original post. 

It has come to my attention that whilst in all previous issues, replacement notes are usually printed for all denominations of banknotes that are issued for general circulation. However, for this series, only the denominations of RM1, RM50 and RM100 were printed with replacement prefixes but not for the RM5, RM10 and RM20. I find this a bit strange as to why some have replacement prefixes and some do not have. Perhaps, they have improved the printing process and instead of printing replacement prefixes, the printer just prints some extras to cover those rejected notes.  

In Malaysia, the tenure for the central bank governor role is fixed for 5 years. Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus was appointed as the bank's governor from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2023. She succeeded the previous bank governor Tan Sri Muhammad Ibrahim, who only served for two years from May 2016 to June 2018. He resigned from the post shortly after the previous government lost the general election, which is not unexpected in that part of the world. Prior to her appointment, Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus was the bank's deputy governor from 2010 to 2016. It is not clear as to why her position as bank governor was not renewed when her 5 years term expired in 2023. All I can say is that such an appointment has something to do with who the Federal government of the day when the appointment is made. 

 

Satu Ringgit Polimer / One Ringgit Polymer 

Front - Portrait of the first Agong (King), Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tunku Muhammad (b.1895-1960).

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 fun at the beach. The logo of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is based on the design of this kite. 

Replacement Prefix ZF

  

Fifty Ringgit Paper / Lima Puluh Ringgit

 

Front Portrait of the first Agong (King), Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tunku Muhammad (b.1895-1960).  

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

Watermarks - Tuanku Abdul Rahman and electrotype 50

Dimensions - 146mm x 69mm

 

Back - Oil palm trees. Tunku Abdul Rahman (b.1903-1990), the first Prime Minister of Malaysia (1957-1990), proclaiming independence on 31.08.1957. 

 

Replacement Prefix - ZH

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

 

Replacement prefix - ZJ

 

One Hundred Ringgit / Seratus Ringgit

 

Front Portrait of the first Agong (King), Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tunku Muhammad (b.1895-1960). 

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.  

Replacement Prefix ZF

...Brunei - 2024 Series Released 09.03.2026 Polymer Dolar Series

 نڬارا بروني دارالسلام‎

(Negara Brunei Darussalam)

 

Bank Pusat Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (Est.1967)

Currency - Dolar (BND)

 

On 09.03.2026, Brunei Central bank released a new series of 5 notes of $1, $5, $10, $100 and $500 all dated 2024. Like all previous issues, the notes for this series are all printed on polymer substrate materials. This new series of banknotes was unveiled by the central bank in September 2025. The two denominations of $50 and $1,000 are not included in this new series. 

Despite the $1,000 denomination not included in this series, personally I find that the $500 note is still a high value note. The $500 denomination note has been part of the family of banknotes of Brunei since 1997. The first $500 polymer note was issued in 2006 with a reprint dated 2013. Based on these two dates, it would be fair to say that this may not be a popular denomination among the people in Brunei. Judging by the prefixes and serial numbers of the 2006 and 2013 issues, I suspect that maybe a maximum of 2,000,000 pieces were printed.

It has been a while since the last time more than one denomination of banknote was released for circulation. The last time the bank did that with more than one note was the 2013 series, and since then only reprints of $1, and new single commemorative $50 notes were issued.

The designs for this series are basically the same as those notes issued previously. The main features on the front is the portrait of the current sultan with floral patterns, including bunga jambangan, daun lukut, and calak kuya printed in the center, alongside with tactile raised elements that will support inclusive access for the visually impaired. The $500 note features the previous sultan, Omar Ali Saifuddien lll (b.1914-1986).

For the first time, the currency name has changed from Brunei Ringgit to Brunei Dolar as the country's official unit of currency. Basically, the words 'Ringgit' and 'Dolar' mean the same, as the word 'Ringgit' also means Dollar and in Brunei they have adopted this word and spelled it in a Malay way. 

The new series of notes also incorporates new security features to prevent counterfeiting. These security features include - two colour-shifting inks, ultraviolet elements and magnetic ink (OVI).  

 

One Dolar (Satu Dolar)

Front - The portrait of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien. Printed in the center is the flower called bunga simpur in Malay (Dillenia suffruticosa).

Signature - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah 

Sizes - 141mm x 69mm

Back - A bird-eye view of Bandar Sri Begawan, more specifically the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin mosque and the Yayasan Sultan Hassan al-Bolkiah, a charitable foundation established in 1992.

 Five Dolar (lima Dolar)

Front - The portrait of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien. Printed in the center is the flower of bunga kunyit (Curuma longa).

Signature - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah 

Sizes - 141mm x 69mm

Back - The Brunei Royal Ceremonial Hall (Lapau). This building was completed in August 1968 and is also where the current Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah was crowned two months after it was completed.

 

Ten Dolar (Sepuluh Dolar)

Front - The portrait of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien. Printed in the center is the flower of  rancah rancah (Cosmos caudatus)

Signature - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah 

Series - 2024 

Sizes - 152mm  x 69mm 

Back - The bird-eye view of Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkaih mosque. This mosque was completed in 1994 and is the largest mosque in Brunei.

One Hundred Dolar (Seratus Dolar)

 

 

Front - The portrait of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien. Printed in the center is the flower of kuduk-kuduk (Melastoma Malabathricum).

Signature - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah 

Series - 2024 

Sizes - 158mm x 75mm

Back -  Printed in the center is the view of Pulau Chermin. This tiny island is situated at the mouth of the Brunei River within the Kota Baru area. This island once played a crucial role in the kingdom's defense, especially against the Spanish raid during the Castilian War in the late 16th century.

 

 

Five Hundred Dolar (Lima Ratus Dolar)

 

 

Front - Portrait of Omar Ali Saifuddien lll (b.1914-1986) in military uniform. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien lll was Brunei's 28th sultan. He acceded to the throne on 06.06.1950, following the death of his elder brother, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin, who died on 04.06.1950 in Singapore. Omar Ali Saifuddien lll inherited the throne as his eldest brother, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin died without a male heir. Omar Ali Saifuddien lll reigned as Sultan of Brunei ended on 05.10.1967 when he abdicated in favour of his son, the current Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah.  

Signature - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah 

Series - 2024 

Sizes - 175mm x 80mm 

Back - Bird-eye view of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque. This mosque was built in 1958 by the previous Sultan and the description on the note simply stated the image as Pusat Bandar Seri Begawan (Bandar Seri Begawan Center).

...French Indochina - one Piaster ND1949 Without A Dot Under 'MOT' (Reverse Side)

French Indochina

(Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam) 

 

Banque de L'indochine

(Bank of Indochina, Est.1875-1975) 

Currency - Piastre 

 

This is an odd note of one piastre issued in (nd)1949. This is one of the very few notes from the French Indochina I have in my collection.

 

The territory of French Indochina is basically referred to today's four independent countries of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. France occupying French Indochina commenced first with Vietnam in 1858 and fully occupied the country by 1887. France occupying Cambodia started in 1863 and Laos in 1893. During the Second World War, Japan replaced the French occupier in 1941 and the French returned in 1945 following the end of the war.

Front - The note depicts an image of a woman. I am unable to tell if she is a native of Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia or this related to an actual person when the note was designed, or if it is just an artist impression. In the center is an image of the Minh Mang royal tomb in Hue, Vietnam. Hue was the Imperial royal capital city of Vietnam. All text on the front is printed in French, obviously.

 

Le Président - Emile Minost

Le Directeur Général Adjoint - Jean Laurent

Watermark - Head of Mercury (Hermes) facing left

Dimensions - 128mm x 81mm

Back - On the back is an image of a young man with a straw hat carrying coconuts with yoke over his shoulder. In the background are four buffaloes, with a child riding on one of them. There are four languages printed on the back with the Chinese starting on the left. The Chinese characters are - 東方滙理銀行, 壹元 (Bank of Indochina, One Yuan), and to the right from top to bottom are Vietnamese, Laotian and Khmer writings in values.

 

Earlier version of this note was printed with a dot under the Vietnamese alphabet O - 'MÔT' (GIẤY MÔT DÔΝG VÁNG). For this issue, this tiny little dot was removed.

 

 

...Thailand - 2025 100 Baht 150th Year of Ministry of Finance Commemorative Banknote

ราชอาณาจักรไทย

(Kingdom of Thailand)

 

Bank of Thailand, Est.1942

(ธนาคารแห่งประเทศไทย)

Currency : Baht (THB) 

Here I have posted a commemorative banknote of 100 baht, together with a 50 baht coin, celebrating the 150th year of the establishment of the Ministry of Finance.

The Ministry of Finance of Thailand (MOF) was established on 14 April 1875. The MOF is a cabinet ministry responsible for overseeing Thailand's public finance, including taxation, the treasury, government properties and state-owned enterprises. In addition to these, it is also responsible for regulating the financial sector, providing loan guarantees and ensuring the government's financial stability.

According to the Bank of Thailand's website, this note was issued on 1st April 2025.

The design for this note, both front and back is the same as the current series (17th), first issued in 2017. 

One Hundred Baht

Front - The designs on the front are the same as the current series of the 100 baht note. The portrait of the current King of Thailand, King Rama X in his Air Force Marshal uniform. At the bottom of the note, the following commemorative text inscription in Thai are printed: -

๑๕0 ปี กระทรวงการคลัง วันที ๑๔ เมษายน พุทธศักราช ๒๕๖๘

"150th year of the Ministry of Finance, April 14, 2025"

Signatures

Minister of Finance - Pichai Chunhavajira

Governor - Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput

Date - April 14, 2025

Watermark - King Rama X and electrotype 100

Size - 150.5mm x 72.5mm

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

King Rama V (b.1853-1910) was known as King of Chulalongkorn the Great, and the fifth king of Siam from the Chakri dynasty. He became the King of Siam at a very young age of 15. He inherited the Thai's throne following the death of his father, King Rama IV.

King Rama VI (b.1881-1925) was the son of King Rama V. He was only the King of Siam for 18 years and died at the young age of 44 due to illness. While he had four wives during his lifetime, he only managed to produce a daughter, and she was born 2 hours before his death. He was succeeded by his brother, Parajadhipok, who went on to become King Rama VII(b.1893-1941). King Rama VI is best known for his efforts to create and promote Siamese nationalism. He also founded the country's first university, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.

In addition to the single note, the bank also issued this note in a seal folder together with a brilliant uncirculated 50 baht coin. Unfortunately, I have no information as to how many of such limited edition folders were issued nor do I know what the issued price was.

 

...Brunei - 50 Ringgit Commemorative Reprint Dated 2022

 نڬارا بروني دارالسلام‎

(Negara Brunei Darussalam)

 

Monetary Authority of Brunei Darussalam

Currency : Ringgit (BND)

 

Here I have added the 50 ringgit polymer note printed with the year date of 2022. This is a reprint of the 2017 commemorative series which celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the accession to the throne of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien lll. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah became the Sultan of Brunei on 05.10.1967, following the abdication of his father the late Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III (b.1914-1986).

At the time of the accession of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, he was only 21 years old, and today (2025), he has been the sultan for 58 years. As an absolute monarch, he also held the positions of Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

 

The design of this note is the same as the one that was first released in 2017, except for a new year date printed on the back - 2022.

 

At this moment, only the F/5 2022 has been sighted. It is not sure if F/6 is also part of the 2022 series.

 

Fifty Ringgit (Prefix F/5)

Front - Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien lll. He is the 29th Sultan of Brunei and accessed to the throne on 05.10.1967. He was born in Istana Darussalam,  (Palace) in the capital city of Bandar Seri Bagawan. He is also the eldest son of the late Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III. The portrait on the note depicted him in full military uniform. To the center left is the scene of the Sultan's coronation ceremony that took place on 01.08.1968, where his father, Omar Ali Saifuddien III placed the Mahkota (Crown of Brunei) onto the Sultan's head. In the background is the Jame' Ars Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. This mosque was constructed in 1994 and is the largest mosque in Brunei.

 

Signature - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (signed in Jawi language)

Dimensions - 159.5mm x 75.5mm 

 

Back - The sultan surrounded his subjects and was accompanied by his eldest son Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah bin Hassanal Bolkiah. Below the image is printed with the following words :- 

 

50th Anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne. 

 

The date 05.10.2017 is also printed on the top left hand corner of the note.