Yesterday, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is issuing a RM600 commemorative banknotes in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement. The size of the banknote is 22 x 37 cm.
Its official, Malaysia RM600 is the current world largest legal banknote.
Its official, Malaysia RM600 is the current world largest legal banknote.
These banknotes commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement signing in the year 1957. The commemorative banknotes honour the Council (later called Conference) of Rulers’ contribution towards the realisation of the Nation’s independence on 31 August 1957. The Agreement dated 5 August 1957 proclaiming the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the Supreme Head of the Federation was signed by the Malay Council of Rulers from Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Terengganu with Sir Donald MacGillivray, the High Commissioner of the Federation of Malaya who represented Queen Elizabeth II. The Agreement became a historical constitutional evidence for the independence of the Federation of Malaya.
The design is based on the theme of “Raja Payung Kedaulatan Negara”. These commemorative banknotes are the first commemorative banknotes printed by Bank Negara Malaysia on the composite substrate, a combination of polymer and paper substrate, which offers higher security features and longer life span. These banknotes are printed larger in size, based on its face value.
According to Guiness Book of world Records website, previous record holder for world largest legal tender banknote is a 100,000 Philippine piso banknote issued on 22 May 1998 by the Central Bank of Manila.
The 100,000 piso banknote measuring 22 x 33 cm (8 ½ x 11 in) is printed by Giesecke Devrient of Munich, Germany. Only 1,000 pieces were issued to commemorate The Centennial of Philippine Independence in 1998. The record holder is Giesecke Devrient, GMBH; place in Munich, Germany and the record were made on 22 May 1998.
If you look at the specifications information provided by BNM press release, the new RM600 banknote is 4cm longer compare to the current record holder.
- Malaysia 600 Ringgit banknote (22 x 37 cm)
- 100,000 Philippine piso banknote (22 x 33 cm)
Looking at the numbers given, new Malaysia RM600 banknote is a clear winner but BNM or the banknote printer need to apply to be in the Guiness Book of world Records and some charges may apply.
So far there is no official information about which company print the new Malaysia RM600 banknote.
Hopefully this time Malaysia Numismatic can break the world record and BNM or the banknote printer will apply to Guiness Book of world Records for the new RM600 Merdeka banknote to be the new World largest legal tender banknote.
An early congratulations to Bank Negara Malaysia for the new banknote, it was worth waiting for.
