Today, the new Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Governor Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim launch the “Works on Paper: Art Inside the Wallet” exhibition at Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery. Thirty banknotes dating from the 14th to 21st centuries from over 10 countries will be on display beginning Aug 4 until Nov 30 at Sasana Kijang.
This exhibition takes a new look at old subject matter, the artistry of banknotes and the practical challenges of the banks that issued them.
Bank Negara Malaysia has never been left behind in the quest to produce banknotes of distinction. The most recent series is as colourful and innovative as any in circulation. Malaysia has not ignored the highest priority of all. The paramount importance of security brings an additional dimension to the work of the designers, printers and banks that collaborate to produce even the most basic of banknotes.
Earlier in his speech, Datuk Muhammad said, "Banknotes of any nations are unique and represent the identity of the issuing country - and not surprisingly, to most people banknotes are only second to the national flag as the most identifiable and recognisable icon of the country.
"Bank Negara first issued currency in 1967. And since then, uniquely, our banknotes have always featured the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tuanku Muhammad on the obverse to signify the stability and reflect the unity of our country under the system of Constitutional Monarchy.
"Banknote printing of today, unlike in the early days of banknote history, uses sophisticated machinery for the highest degree of consistency. Millions of pieces are printed every day to the exact quality standard.
"If you take two pieces of banknotes of any denomination, chances are they are identical in every respect. But misprints do occur though very rare. Occasionally, members of the public get excited when they are in possession of irregular banknotes with some smudge of ink or more seriously incomplete portrait of certain icons.
"While we at Bank Negara will do everything we can to ensure every single banknote is fit for usage by removing any irregular ones from circulation, currency collectors are willing to pay a handsome premium to own imperfect banknotes.
"Dato’ Sharuddin, the President of the Malaysian Numismatic Heritage Club who is here with us today might have seen some of these irregular banknotes. But unfortunately, we at Bank Negara are never been able to get hold of such pieces so that we can exchange them. This despite all the effort made to retrieve such banknotes from circulation.
"I guess this gives credence to the economic axiom, scarcity enhances value. Banknotes are art masterpieces in their own right. They have a lot of stories and messages to tell, waiting for us to look up close and decipher their meanings and symbolism.
The Works on Paper: Art Inside the Wallet exhibition will be held at:
Temporary Gallery, 2nd Floor
BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY
Sasana Kijang, 2 Jalan Dato’ Onn,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday / 10am - 6pm
Congratulations to Dato’ Sharuddin from Kelab Warisan Numismatik Malaysia for the mention by Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim in his speech.
Full report about the new BNM exhibition will be out soon.
