Its official, Malaysia RM600 commemorative banknotes in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement hold The Guinness World Records for World Largest Legal Tender Banknote. Congratulation to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) for this achievement.
According to the Guinness World Records:
The largest legal banknote measures 814 cm² (126.17 in²), achieved by Bank Negara Malaysia (Malaysia) on 29 December 2017.
The 22 cm X 37 cm (8.6 in X 14.5 in) banknote were creating in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of the signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement. The banknote is worth 600 Malaysian ringgit (approximately £109.65; $147.34).
Previous record holder 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).
Malaysia 600 Ringgit commemorative banknote measuring 22 cm x 37 cm (8.6 in x 14.5 in). The new RM600 banknote is 4cm longer compare to the previous record holder.
On 14 December 2017, BNM issued a RM600, RM60 and Uncut 3-in-1 RM60 commemorative banknotes in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement.
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 banknote 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.
The World Largest Legal Tender Banknote, Malaysia 600 Ringgit
The obverse design features the majestic royal throne encircled by the portraits of 15 Yang di-Pertuan Agong who have reigned from 1957 till the present day (2017), symbolising Malaysia as a constitutional monarchy. The obverse design is inspired by the crescent and a 14-pointed federal star which are featured on the royal headgear.
The reverse design features the portraits of the nine rulers signing the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement on 5 August 1957. These banknotes are decorated with prominent independence and post-independence figures and features. On the right-hand side of the banknote is the triumphant silhouette of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the architect of Malayan independence and the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. Imprinted on the background are four significant landmarks: the National Palace, Perdana Putra, the Parliament building and the Palace of Justice. These reflect the four pillars of the nation: the institution of the Monarchy, the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary respectively.
Only 6,000 pieces of the RM600 commemorative banknotes in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement printed by BNM.
For more information please read: How big is world largest banknote.
If you wonder why Guinness World Records put the records achieved on 29 December 2017, it is actually the date online ordering facility for the sale of commemorative banknote open to public. The result only come out on 25 January 2018 and the public can only get the banknote on 25 January 2018.
The official release date for the RM600 commemorative banknote is on 14 December 2017.
