southeast asia: Brunei

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...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)

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)

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)

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).

...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.

...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.

Brunei - 10 Ringgit Dated 2013 Reprint

نڬارا بروني دارالسلام‎

(Negara Brunei Darussalam)

Monetary Authority of Brunei Darussalam
Currency : Ringgit (BND)

This is an odd note of 10 ringgit polymer note printed with the year date of 2013. This is not the only 2013 print as the 1, 100 and 500 all dated 2013 were also issued and I have posted these in separate posts, together with the same denominations. Going forward, I will post them according to the year of issue.

As for this 10 ringgit, this is the reprint for the 2011 series and no reprints have been sighted since then. As for the 2011 series, it was issued to coincide with the Sultan's birthdays and again, I have posted them (1, 5 and 10 ringgit) all in a separate post.

I have had this note for quite a while now and it is long overdue to post this on my site.

One Ringgit (Polymer)

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien lll

Front - The portrait of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien lll. In the center is the flower rancah rancah (Cosmos caudatus).

Signature - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah

Dimensions - 141mm x 69mm

Back - An aerial view of the Jame' Asri Hassanil Bolkiah mosque. The mosque is viewed from the northern side. This mosque is located in the village of Kiarong in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. This mosque was designed by John Lawson and was completed in 1994 at a cost of US$8.0M. This is currently the largest mosque in the country and can hold up to 5,000 worshipers at a given time.

Jame' Asri Hassanil Bolkiah mosque

...Brunei - 2013 Three-In-One Uncut Sheets Of 1 And 10 Ringgit Dated 2013 Polymer

Negara Brunei Darussalam

(Brunei)

Bank Pusat Brunei Darussalam

(Brunei Darussalam Central Bank)

Currency - Ringgit (BND)

Posted below are two Three-In-One cut sheets of 1 and 10 ringgit. Both notes are issued in a folder separately and both notes are dated 2013. Apart from the 1 and 10 ringgit, the denominations of 100 and 500 ringgit were also issued in 2013, however, I have no information if any uncut sheets were also issued for these two high denominations.

The designs for these two notes are the same as the initial 2011 series, but for this series, it has the tiny year date of 2013 printed on the back of the note.

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

One Ringgit Three-In-One Uncut

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah (b.1946-)

Signature - Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah

Watermarks - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

Dimensions - 142mm x 208mm

Aerial view of Bandar Sri Begawan (Sri Begawan Town/City)

211.5mm x 300mm

Ten Ringgit Three-In-One Uncut Sheet

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah (b.1946-)

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 Al0i 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 Cosmos Caudatus (Rancah-Rancah) flower. This species plant is a native to Latin America and the West Indies but can also be found throughout the rest of SouthEast Asia. It can grow up to 1.7 meters tall with few branches. Flowers when matured in a purplish-yellow in colour

Signature - Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah

Watermarks - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Omar Jame's Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

Dimensions - 142mm x 208mm

Back - The aerial view of the Omar Jame's Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque located in Bandar Sri Begawan. This is one of the two state mosques in the country. The other one is the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Both are located in the capital city of Bandar Sri Beganwan and the distance between these two mosques are about 2 kilometers apart.

Omar Jame's Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

211.5mm x 300mm

...Brunei - 50 Ringgit 2020 Commemorative Reprint

نڬارا بروني دارالسلام‎

(Negara Brunei Darussalam)

Monetary Authority of Brunei Darussalam
Currency : Ringgit (BND)

These are two reprints of the 50 ringgit first release in 2017 celebrating 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.

Update: 24.06.2023 - Below I have added the note with the prefix of F/3.

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 - 2020.

There are four prefixes printed for this series. F/1 is the first and so far, F/2 sighted is for the uncut sheet, both for 2017 year. However, I am not sure if there are any F/2 single notes issued. It is believed only the F/3 and F/4 are printed with the year date of 2020. However it is not sure if F/5 has been printed and pending for release or perhaps this could be it.

Fifty Ringgit (Prefix F/3)

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien lll

Signature - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah

Dimensions - 159mm x 75.5mm

Sultan and Crown Prince greeting their subjects

Fifty Ringgit (Prefix F/4)

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien lll

Front - The portrait of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien lll in military uniform. Next to the portrait is the scene of his coronation in 1967.

Signature - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah

Dimensions - 158.5mm x 74.5mm

Back - The sultan greeting his subjects and accompanied by his son Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah bin Hassanal Bolkiah.

Sultan and Crown Prince greeting their subjects

Footnote:

As from 26.06.2021, the Monetary Authority of Brunei Darussalam has remained to the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank. It is not sure if the central bank's new name will be printed on all future banknotes to be issued.

...Brunei - 1 Ringgit 2019 2-in-1 Commemorative Uncut Sheet Polymer

Negara Brunei Darussalam نڬارا بروني دارالسلام‎

Monetary Authority of Brunei Darussalam
Currency : Ringgit (BND)

This is a 2-in-one uncut sheet of 1 ringgit polymer note printed with the year date of 2019. This is a numismatic product issued on 23.08.2019 to celebrate the Sultan of Brunei, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah's 73rd birthday. Sultan Bolkiah's birthday falls on July 15th and he was born in 1946.

The design of the note is the same as those first issued in 2011, with reprints in 2013 and 2016. The date printed on this new issue is 2019. Whilst this is a commemorative issue, there are no commemorative texts or logo added to the note. However, the folder did state that the purpose of this issue was to celebrate the Sultan's 73rd birthday.

This is the first time a 1 ringgit 2-in-1 uncut sheet is issued. Previous issues were 3-in-1 uncut sheets.

This is a limited edition with:-
Quantity Issued - 600 folder sets;
Issue Price - BND$35 per set.

One Ringgit

Dated 2019, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, simpur (flower)

Reverse - view of the capital Bandar Sri Begawan, shopping complex Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex

Front Cover

Inside Folder

...Brunei - 50 Ringgit 2017 Coronation Golden Jubilee

On 5th of October 2017, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah celebrated his Accession to the Throne Golden Jubilee. His Majesty became the 29th Sultan of Brunei Darussalam on 05.10.1967, when he was 21 years old, following the surprising abdication of his father, the late Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Waddien (1914-1986). The Sultan's coronation was then held on 01.08.1968 and was crowned by his father at the Royal Ceremonial Hall (or Lapua) in Bandar Seri Begawan (then known as Brunei Town).

Fast forward 25 years, in 1992 the Sultan celebrated his Silver Jubilee by releasing a B$25 Commemorative paper banknote (P21). Until today, this is still the one and only odd 25 Dollars denomination ever issued in Brunei since 1967.

To celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the Authoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) issued the following numismatic products:

- B$50 with special "HB50"* prefix (acrylic holder) at B$200 (4,000 sets);
- B$25 (P21) and B$50 "prefix F/1" Folder at B$160 (3,000 sets);
- Single B$50 "prefix F/1" Circulation Note Folder at B$55 (50,000 sets);
- 3-in-1 uncut Sheet B$50 "prefix F/2" (acrylic holder) at B$400 (1,000 sets);
- 8-in-1 uncut sheet B$50 "prefix F/2" (in tube) at B$1,000 (500 sets)
- 40-in-1 uncut sheet B$50 (in tube) at B$3,800 (150 sets);
- B$500 Gold coin at B$3,500 (200 sets);
- B$50 Silver coin at B$400 (200 sets); and
- 5 coins 5th series special collection set at B$20 (3,000 sets)

* HB = Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah

It should be noted that only 4,000 sets were issued with the special prefix of "HB". The rest are printed with the prefix "F/1 and F/2". All the above were made available via online pre-order which was opened between 04.10.2017 to 25.10.2017. The items were opened to everyone, however priorities were given to the locals first in the country with any leftovers to be sold to the rest of the world. Any item that was oversubscribed went through a balloting system to decide the lucky winners.

I have no confirmation as to how many pieces were printed for this commemorative series. So far I have sighted single notes with F/1 prefix and F/2 prefix for those uncut sheets. The circulating coins and banknote were released to the public for circulation on 09.10.2017.

The design of the new B$50 features three generations of the royal family. On the front, it features the late Sultan crowning his son in 1967 and on the back, the current Sultan and his eldest son, crown prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'ízzaddin Waddaulah, greeting their subjects. The note is predominantly printed in stunning yellow colour, which is also the royal colour of Brunei. The design for this note should win an award, in my opinion.

Fifty Ringgit from 1 note folder

Dated 2017 - single in folder

Reverse

Fifty Ringgit Special Prefix

Dated 2017 - Special Prefix HB50

Reverse

Twenty Five Dollar (Paper) from 2 notes folder

Dated 1992, P21, #204

Reverse

Fifty Ringgit from 2 notes folder

Dated 2017, #204

Reverse

Fifty Ringgit 3-in-one Uncut Sheet

Dated 2017

Reverse

Footnote: A small quantity of the above were also sold in Singapore, where both nation's currencies are interchangeable at par value. Some of these items were sold at a higher price than those offered in Brunei. Whilst the above numismatic products issued were considered as low, it is not sure if those sold in Singapore were made prior to the sale in Brunei or because they were actually left overs. Given that only the coins were oversubscribed, I personally believed the notes were the remainders from the offers in Brunei. Needless to say, banknotes are not as popular as those coins sold.

...Brunei & Singapore - 2017 Currency Interchangeability Agreement (CIA) with Brunei Commemorative $50

Brunei and Singapore

Joint Issues

These are the two notes that were issued in a folder at face value, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement.

Brunei Fifty Ringgit