4th series RM50 fancy numbers set in Trigometric Auction 10

A complete set of 50 Ringgit, 4th Series, signed by Aziz Taha will be auctioned off at Trigometric Auction 10/2019 to be held this Thursday (24 October) at Hilton Hotel, Petaling Jaya. The complete set of the 4th series RM50 fancy numbers banknotes has never been auctioned before.

The complete set of 4th series RM50 fancy numbers banknotes (Lot 0528) includes; Low no. B/82 000001-10, Solid 1's-Solid's 9's & Golden number B/85 1000000. All banknotes are graded by Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) 64UNC-66EPQ. Total 20pcs ( 3pcs with Remarks Stain-No.10, Solid's 3 & 7) of fancy numbers 4th series RM50 will be auctioned starting price at RM400,000.

Another highlight of the auction is a 1922 Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation - Cheefoo $10 Color Trial, S/No. 00000, Perforated CANCELLED. The banknote is About Uncirculated (AU) very minor pin hole on top and bottom, almost unnoticeable, extremely rare in this condition.

The banknote obverse show a Lace maker on the left, full coat of arms on the middle of the note. The banknote reverse show Old Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation building.

Sharp design styling of TDLR at this time period and seen with a red-brown over print, with a light brown underprint, making this a colour trial. The note is perforated CANCELLED mid-bottom section. This note is very well preserved and extremely rare in this condition.

Bidding price for lot 0057 start at RM50,000 and maximum estimate price is RM90,000.

A 1 sen 1970 Copper Clad Steel (lot 1013)  graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) as an MS 62BN will also be auctioned in Trigometric Auction 10.

5 years ago, a 1 sen 1970 Copper Clad Steel was auctioned for RM46,769 including buyer premium in Singapore. For those of you who don't know, the normal 1 sen 1970 coin is made of copper compared to this one from copper clad steel which attached to a magnet.

In 2013, only 4 coins printed using this wrong planchet were recorded. This makes it one of the rare 1 cent coins for Malaysian coin collection.

Auction Details :
Date : 24.10.19 (Thursday)
Venue : Hilton Hotel, Petaling Jaya (Serunai Suite 1 & 2)
Time : 11.00 am

Bidder Register :
Date : 15.10.19 - 24.10.19 (Except Monday off)
Venue : Trigo Amcorp Mall, Level 3
Time : 10.30 am - 5 pm

Lots Viewing :
Date : 22.10.19 - 23.10.19 (Tuesday - Wednasday)
Venue : Trigo Amcorp Mall, Level 3
Time : 11.00 am - 5 pm

Lots Collection :
Date : - 28/10/2019 (Monday)
Venue : - Trigo Amcorp Mall, Level 3
Time : - 11.00 am - 5 pm


Online bidding for Trigometric Auction 10 is now live at LiveAuctioneers.com.

Buyer premium is 15% for floor bid and 20% for liveauctioneers.com internet bidding. You can pay using cash or credit card but the charges for credit card is 3%. 

For further information, you can contact Trigometric Sdn Bhd (Mr. Koay / MS Farah) at 03-7957 9566 or you can visit them at Amcorp Mall Petaling Jaya (Open everyday 10am – 6pm, except Monday and Public Holiday).

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Bank of England New £20 note issued 20 February 2020

On 10 October 2019, The Bank of England unveiled the design of the new £20 note featuring the artist Joseph Mallord William Turner. It will be issued for the first time on 20 February 2020. For the first time, the note incorporates two windows and a two-colour foil, making it very difficult to counterfeit.

The polymer £20 note contains sophisticated security features making it the most secure Bank of England banknote yet.

Polymer notes last longer than paper notes and they stay in better condition during day-to-day use. This note, like the polymer £10, will contain a tactile feature to help vision impaired people identify the denomination.

The polymer £20 note will join the Churchill £5 and the Austen £10. A new £50 note, featuring Alan Turing, will follow in 2021. The public will begin to see the new £20 from 20 February next year as the notes leave cash centres around the country and enter general circulation.

The public can continue to spend paper £20 notes as usual and these will be gradually withdrawn as they are banked by retailers and the public. Notice will be given six months ahead of legal tender status of the paper £20 being withdrawn.

Commenting on the new note, the Governor Mark Carney said: “Our banknotes celebrate the UK’s heritage, salute its culture, and testify to the achievements of its most notable individuals. And so it is with the new £20 banknote, featuring JMW Turner, launched today at Turner Contemporary in Margate. Turner’s contribution to art extends well beyond his favourite stretch of shoreline. Turner’s painting was transformative, his influence spanned lifetimes, and his legacy endures today. The new £20 note celebrates Turner, his art and his legacy in all their radiant, colourful, evocative glory.”

The new £20 note will be the first to feature the signature of Sarah John, the Bank’s Chief Cashier.

She said: “The new £20 is an important part of our commitment to providing banknotes that people can use with confidence. Our polymer notes are much harder to counterfeit and, with the £20 being our most common note, this marks a big step forward in our fight against counterfeiting. I hope the public will look forward to spending their new Turner £20s from February next year.”

Features on the new £20 note include:

• A large see-through window with a blue and gold foil on the front depicting Margate lighthouse and Turner Contemporary. The foil is silver on the back. The shape of the large window is based on the shape of the fountains in Trafalgar Square.
• A smaller see-through window in the bottom corner of the note, inspired by Tintern Abbey.
• JMW Turner’s self-portrait, painted c. 1799 and currently on display in Tate Britain.
• One of Turner’s most eminent paintings The Fighting Temeraire; a tribute to the ship HMS Temeraire which played a distinguished role in Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The painting is currently on display in the National Gallery and was voted the nation’s favourite painting in a 2005 poll run by BBC Radio 4.
• A metallic hologram which changes between the word ‘Twenty’ and ‘Pounds’ when the note is tilted.
• The Queen’s portrait in the see-through window with ‘£20 Bank of England’ printed twice around the edge.
• A silver foil patch with a 3D image of the coronation crown.
• A purple foil patch containing the letter ‘T’ and based on the staircase at the Tate Britain.
• A quote “Light is therefore colour” from an 1818 lecture by Turner referring to the innovative use of light, shade, colour and tone in his pictures.
• Turner’s signature from his Will, the document with which he bequeathed many of his paintings to the nation.

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Saran Singh Collection in CAA Auction 14

Saran Singh Collection will be one of the highlight in Collectibles Auction Asia (CAA) Coins & Banknotes Auction 14/2019. The auction will be held this Saturday (5th October 2019) at Landmark Village Hotel, Singapore. 193pcs in 2 volumes of Saran Singh’s private collection of Malaysia banknotes from 1967 to 2015 will be auction in (Lot 0701) CAA Auction 14.

Mr. Saran Singh is the author of "The Encyclopaedia of the Coins of Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, 1400-1986". For any numismatics collectors who are interested in collecting Malay Archipelago Money, this book is a must have and it is hard to find original copy of the book nowadays. On 3rd December 1989 he received the honour P.N.M (Pakar Numismatic Malaysia) by Malaysia Numismatic Society. You can read more about his story here; Mr. Saran Singh, Pakar Numismatik Malaysia.

From the pictures provided by liveauctioneers.com, we can see that this collection is for "Mikhail Singh".

Saran Singh’s private collection of Malaysia banknotes from 1967 to 2015:

• 1st series [5] ($1-$100),
• 2nd series [5],
• 3rd series [5] $1-$50,
• 4th series [6],
• 5th series [11] $1-$500,
• 6th series [23] excl $500,
• 7th series [13] excl $500,
• 8th series [10],
• 9th series [7],
• 10th series [10],
• 11th series [47],
• 12th series [40],
• Commemoratives [12].
• This lot includes the rare 1999 RM 1 CR signed by BNM Governor Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Ali Abul Hassan in AEF.

Auction for Saran Singh’s private collection of Malaysia banknotes will start at SGD 8,000.00 and maximum estimate price is SGD16,000. This is indeed a very rare opportunity to own the numismatic guru’s personal collection Saran Singh.

Other Highlights includes:

Lot 0595: Singapore Islands, Rubber Export Coupons, 1939, 5 Katis, E006983, plate note in KNB catalogue pg.320, KNB45. AU-UNC, 4 pin holes and 2 punch holes. Estimate SGD 3,000 - SGD 6,000.

Lot 0317: Malaysia, 1969, C-N 50 Sens, milled (w/o security) edge, KN7. NGC MS 62. Estimate SGD 2,500 - SGD 5,000.

Lot 0705: Sarawak, ND (1929), $25, uniface, back only, no serial, color trial print scrap, KNB23a, ICC VF 30, print scrap removed from a sample mounted frame. Estimate SGD 2,000 - SGD 4,000.

Lot 0517: Straits Settlements, 1915, 100 Dollars, A/7 00000, “Printer’s Design”, P-UNL100pd. PMG 64 NET. Estimate SGD 10,000 - SGD 20,000.

Lot 0732: Singapore, Ship series, ND (1984), $1000, A/4 222222, solid “2”, Tan#S-8b. PMG UNC 64. Estimate SGD 8,000 - SGD 16,000.

Lot 0752: Singapore, Portrait series, 1999, $100, 0BE 333333, replacement, solid “3”, TanP-5a. PMG 66 EPQ. Estimate SGD 15,000 - SGD 30,000.

Lot 0704: Sarawak, 1929, $10, C/1 000,081, KNB22a. PMG EF 40. Estimate SGD 5,000 - SGD 10,000.

Lot 0550: Malaya, 1941, 10 Cents, “Specimen Proof”, Printer: Thomas De La Rue & Company Ltd, London, P-8sp, KNB8. PMG 63. Printer’s Annotation, previously mounted. Estimate SGD 4,000 - SGD 8,000.

Lot 0185: China, People’s Republic, 2012, Gold 500 Yuan, 1oz, .999 Proof. Estimate SGD 2,400 - SGD 4,800.

Lot 0445: China, People’s Republic, 4th series, 1980-1996, 1 Jiao~100 Yuan, P-881b-889b. Total 14pcs. All PMG 68 EPQ. Estimate SGD 4,000 - SGD 8,000.

Bidding is now live via liveauctioneers.com.

A Buyer's premium of 15% will be added to hammer price for each lot to all succesful bids. Lots sold though "liveauctioneers.com" are subjected to an additional 5% Buyer's Premium (20% in total). All Shipping, handling and insurance charges will be paid by Buyer.

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2 Ringgit BB set sold for RM130,000

Today, a 2 Ringgit Ahmad Don BB prefix Fancy's Number Sets sold for RM130,000 (without buyer premium) in Trigometric Auction 9 held at Serunai Suite, Hilton Hotel Petaling Jaya. The 8th series banknotes set printed in 1996 by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is one of the hardest sets to accumulate.

The set consist of a BB0000001-0000010, BB1111111-BB9999999 & BB1234567 (20pcs).Graded by PMG 64EPQ-67EPQ.

Another highlight of the auction is a $100 Deutsch-Asiatische Bank dated 1 July 1914, Peking (P S277), S/no. 01296 UNC sold for RM80,000 (without buyer premium). Deutsch-Asiatische Bank (DAB) was a foreign bank in China. DAB was founded in Shanghai in 1889 with the participation of Deutsche Bank, one of the largest banks in Germany. In 1906, it received the concession to issue its own banknotes in China. During First World War and the Second World War, its branch network and business activities were destroyed.

A 1st series Replacement 1 Ringgit with a Solid Number prefix Z/1 111111 signed by Ismail Ali with graded PMG 45 sold for RM20,000 (without buyer premium). A Solid Number Replacement 1st series Malaysia banknote is one of the things in Malaysian numismatic that you don't see everyday in Auction.

Malaysia RM600 World Largest Legal Banknote (lot 9390), 600 Ringgit, signed by 8th Governor of the Central Bank of Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhammad bin Ibrahim (KNB85) S/no. MRR 0003809 sold for RM4,600 (without buyer premium).

Uncut 3-in-1 RM60 commemorative banknotes (lot 9492) in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement (KNB15) S/no. MRR 0076862 PMG 68EPQ sold for RM1,900 (without buyer premium).

2 pieces 60 Ringgit Commemorative banknote signed by 8th Governor of the Central Bank of Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhammad bin Ibrahim (KNB84) S/no. MRR 0053638-639 PMG 69EPQ sold for RM1,600 (without buyer premium).

On 14 December 2017, BNM issued these banknotes commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement signing in the year 1957.

Other highlights:

• Lot 9112 - China 1960 1 jIAO, graded PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 67 EPQ. Sold for RM4,200
• Lot 9139 - China 2000 100 Yuan Commemorative - Replacement/Star, graded PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 68 EPQ. Sold for RM4,000
• Lot 9140 - China 2008 Beijing 2008 Olympic Games 10 Yuan , graded PMG GEm Uncirculated 66 EPQ. Sold for RM2,500
• Lot 9174 - Singapore ND (1990) 2 Dollars Specimen, graded PMG Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ. Sold for RM3,200
• Lot 9202 - Malaysia (Bank Negara) ND (1967) 100 Ringgit, graded PMG Choice Uncirculated 63 EPQ. Sold for RM11,000
• Lot 9251 - Malaysia (Bank Negara) ND (1999) 5 Ringgit, graded PMG Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ. Sold for RM9,500
• Lot 9413 - Malaysia (Bank Negara) ND (2001) 5 Ringgit, graded PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ. Sold for RM5,400
• Lot 9467 - Malaysia (Bank Negara) ND (1981-83) 50 Ringgit, graded PMG Choice Uncirculated 64. Sold for RM16,000

Buyer premium is 15% for floor bid and 20% for liveauctioneers.com internet bidding. 

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World largest banknote in HKINF World Currency Signature Auction

World largest banknote, Malaysia RM600 commemorative banknotes in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement is one of the featured collection in Heritage Auction HKINF World Currency Signature Auction. The auction will take place June 27-28 at the Mira Hotel on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong.

Included in this lot #28328 are RM600 and RM60 commemorative banknotes. Both of these beautiful notes have earned the highest PMG grade possible of Gem Uncirculated 70 EPQ*. PMG assigns the "*" designation to EPQ notes with exceptional eye appeal for their assigned grade.

The 600 Ringgit note comes with its original packaging which includes a valise that is stored in a special Bank Negara Malaysia box.

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.

Only 6,000 pieces of the RM600 and 60,000 pieces of the RM60 commemorative banknotes in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement printed by BNM.

The dimensions of the oversized 600 Ringgit is 370 by 219 millimeters and the 60 Ringgit measuring 162 by 84 millimeters.

You can view the Auction at Heritage Auction website, Heritage Auction RM600.

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Baltimore Currency Auction Realizes $10,440,026

The four sessions of Stack's Bowers Galleries' much anticipated Official Currency Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Spring Expo realized $10,440,026 (all prices include the buyer's fee). ​2 $1000 Legal Tender Note realized $960,000.

On March 22, featured the landmark Joel R. Anderson Collection Part I during which 64 lots realized an astounding $7,912,140. Seven lots from that collection each realized more than $500,000, including the finest known Fr.186d 1863 $1000 Legal Tender Note graded Choice About New 58 by PCGS Currency that brought $960,000. The only privately held Fr.187b 1880 $1000 Legal Tender Note, graded Choice About New 55 by PCGS Currency, also realized $960,000. A PCGS Currency Very Choice New 64 PPQ Fr.183c 1863 $500 Legal Tender Note was sold for $900,000.

The A.J. Vanderbilt Collection of U.S. Paper Money which saw a total realization of $818,100. Among the highlights of that collection was the finest known Demand Note, an Fr.2 1861 $5 graded Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ by PMG that sold for $372,000. Also featured was the finest PMG graded Fr.1136 1870 $5 National Gold Bank Note from the First National Gold Bank of San Francisco, Ch. #1741. This PMG Extremely Fine 40 EPQ graded note realized $66,000.

Friday night's currency session featured 503 lots which realized a total of $1,509,450. Among the leading lots of that session was a Fr.1132-H 1918 $500 Federal Reserve Note from St. Louis graded Extremely Fine 40 by PCGS Currency that realized $26,400. A PMG Very Fine 30 Net graded Fr.2221-G 1934 $5000 Federal Reserve Note from Chicago sold for $63,000. An 1882 $20 Brown Back from the Calumet National Bank of South Chicago, Illinois, Ch. #3102 and PCGS Currency graded Fine 15, brought $20,400. Small size National Currency was hot with a 1929 Type 1 $10 from the First National Bank of Zillah, Washington, Ch. #9576, and graded Fine 12 by PMG selling for $28,800.

Stack's Bowers Galleries is now accepting consignments to their upcoming official U.S. Currency Auction of the ANA World's Fair of Money to be held this August in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Please contact Director of Currency Peter Treglia at petert@stacksbowers.com or Currency Specialist Brad Ciociola at bciociola@stacksbowers.com to inquire about your items.

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Switzerland 10 Franc won IBNS 2017 Bank Note of the Year Award

International Bank Note Society (IBNS) announces that Switzerland 10 Franc banknote has received its prestigious "Bank Note of the Year Award" for 2017. This is the fourth consecutive hybrid / polymer note to win the coveted IBNS Bank Note of the Year Award.

The banknote obverse show Swiss cross; conductor’s human hands holding baton; multicolor Swiss cross as registration device; time zone motif over globe; clock face pattern in underprint.

The banknote reverse show Swiss railroad tunnel; exploded view of watch movement; Swiss rail network lines in underprint.

The Switzerland 10 Franc note is part of the first new design the Swiss National Bank has released in 20 years. Printed by Orell Fussli Security Printing Ltd. in Zurich, all notes from the new 9th series feature national experiences and abstract themes. Incorporating the latest in technological security standards and using three layer substrate Durasafe®, this gorgeous yellow vertical banknote depicts human hands conducting an orchestra with a globe showing time zones and the punctual Swiss rail system.

With over 170 new banknotes released worldwide during 2017, almost a third were of sufficiently new design to be eligible for nomination.

In the closest vote ever the Swiss 10 Franc polymer/hybrid note narrowly edged out runners-up from the Royal Bank of Scotland (£10 with female scientist), Canada ($10 with 4 politicians and regions), Fiji (unique $7 featuring their first Olympic gold medal and rugby “7’s” team), Norway (100 Kroner Viking long ship), and Djibouti (40 Franc whale shark).

In 2017 a 20 Franc note was also released featuring a hand and a prism reflecting light. While it too was nominated for Bank Note of the Year, IBNS rules state that no country can compete against itself if multiples notes are nominated. In such instances a subcommittee selects the stronger image.

The Swiss National Bank had initially released a stunning 24 page booklet to promote their new six banknote series. They have a fascinating interactive website and downloadable application that can be accessed to further demonstrate various security features. Each note varies in size, with the 10 Franc note similar in size to the 20 Euro banknote. Valuation of the Swiss Franc is currently near par with the US Dollar but significantly below the Euro and British Pound.

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Rare Straits Settlements note in Spink Auction on April 11

A very rare Straits Settlements banknote will be auctioned in Spink World and British Banknotes Auction on April 11. The $10 Government of the Straits Settlements, bearing one of the scarcer dates 1 January 1931 signed by Luis Shelley with serial number A/1 00001.

The first $10 to be issued for Straits Settlements will be auction with an estimate of £25,000 to £35,000 (RM135,516 to RM189,723). A most important banknote and the first portrait $10 with portrait of George V for the Straits Settlements.

The banknote is accompanied by a letter titled MEMORANDUM from the CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR of the banknote printer, Bradbury Wilkinson and is addressed to "Dear Cecil, I am sending you herewith $10 note, No. A/1 000001, first issued of this value. I thought you might like to have it as a personal memento of your great victory.”

The Governor of the Straits Settlements at the date of this letter, '14th April 1932' was Sir Cecil Clementi and this without doubt is the 'Dear Cecil' referred to in the letter.

Sir Cecil Clementi Smith was the governor and commander-in-chief of the Straits Settlements, and the high commissioner for the Federated Malay States from 1929 to 1934. Clementi resigned as Governor on 18 October 1934 on grounds of ill health, while on leave in England.

Catalogues can be accessed through the Spink website (www.spink.com) or via the Spink App for iPhone and iPad.

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Malaysia RM600 World Largest Legal Banknote (Official)

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.

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How big is world largest banknote?

Malaysia 600 Ringgit Commemorative banknotes in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement issued on 14 December 2017 is the world largest legal tender banknote in Guinness World Records website.

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).

On 29 December 2017, BNM opened an online ordering facility for the sale of commemorative banknote. The result only come out on 25 January 2018 and the public can only get the banknote on 25 January 2018. The banknote was offered to collectors by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) for RM1,700 (approximately £308; US$434).

The official release date for the RM600 commemorative banknote is on 14 December 2017.

How big is the current world largest banknote? If you look at the measurement it is The 22 cm X 37 cm (8.6 in X 14.5 in) and if you compare it with a paper size, it is slightly bigger then a A4 paper size 21 x 29.7 cm (8.3 x 11.7 in).

The previous record holder is a 100,000 Philippine piso banknote issued on 22 May 1998 by the Central Bank of Manila. the banknote measuring 22 x 33 cm (8 ½ x 11 in) printed by Giesecke Devrient of Munich, Germany. Only 1,000 pieces were issued to commemorate The Centennial of Philippine Independence in 1998. The previous record holder is Giesecke Devrient, GMBH; place in Munich, Germany and the record were made on 22 May 1998. The banknote was offered to collectors by the Central Bank in 1998, who could purchase one of the limited-edition notes for 180,000 pesos, or about RM16,596 (US$3,700).

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New King Rama X Banknotes Unveiled

On 8 March 2018, Mr. Veerathai Santiprabhob, Governor of the Bank of Thailand (BOT), announced that the BOT was granted royal permission from His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (King Rama X) to print and issue the new series of Thai banknotes (Series 17) into circulation as the circulating banknotes.

The BOT was bestowed the issue dates as follows:

• 20-Baht, 50-Baht and 100-Baht will be issued on Chakri Memorial Day, 6 April 2018.
• 500-Baht and 1000-Baht will be issued on His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun’s birthday, 28 July 2018.

The front side of the banknote in all denominations depicts His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun in the Royal Thai Air Force uniform as the main portrait.

The reverse side of each denomination depicts the portraits of two Kings in order of reign, along with the images of their memorable royal duties.

To ensure smooth changeover; the sizes and the colors of the Series 17 remain the same as the Series 16. Most security features are retained in the new series; however, some of new advanced counterfeit deterrent features have been adopted as follows:

• Security thread: located on the front side of the banknote. Extra moving effect is incorporated into the 100-Baht banknote security thread.
• Vertical serial number: Roman alphabet with Arabic numerals are placed vertically.

The Series 17 banknote can be exchanged at any commercial bank, the Government Savings Bank, the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, the Government Housing Bank, and the Islamic Bank of Thailand. The existing and the previous series remain legal tender.

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PMG certified world’s largest legal tender banknotes

Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) has certified the world’s largest legal tender banknotes, 2017 Malaysian 600 Ringgit commemorative notes. The new Malaysia commemorative banknote is larger than a letter-sized sheet of paper.

According to PMG article on 20 February:

"PMG has certified the first submissions of 2017 Malaysian 600 Ringgit commemorative notes, which were recently issued to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement. The commemorative notes measure a record-breaking 370 x 220 (14.5 inches by 8.6 inches), a size that makes them the world’s largest legal tender banknotes.

These notes can be encapsulated with a special PMG label that features the crescent moon and 14-point star from the Malaysian flag, elements that are also present on the front of the note. The note’s front also features the 15 monarchs who have presided over the country in the past 60 years. Its back shows nine of the original signatories of the independence agreement.

Only 6,000 of the RM600 commemoratives notes are being issued. (RM = Malaysian Ringgit.) The note’s RM600 face value is equivalent to about $150 (USD)."

You can read about how to submit these notes, and how to get the special PMG label at no additional charge in my earlier article; PMG special label for 60th Merdeka notes.

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PMG special label for 60th Merdeka notes

Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) is offering a special label for the RM60 (60 Malaysian ringgits) and RM600 banknotes being issued by Bank Negara Malaysia to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement.

Modern Malaysia had its origins in 1957, when the more-populous western part of it became independent from the United Kingdom as the Federation of Malaya. The eastern portion joined in 1963, and the name Malaysia was adopted.

Note: This special “Malaysia 60th Anniversary of Independence” label will be available until December 31, 2018. Notes will then receive the PMG Standard Green Label.

The special PMG label pays tribute to Malaysia's self-determination by showing the crescent moon and 14-point star from the Malaysian flag, elements that are also present on the note's front, along with the 15 monarchs who have presided in the past 60 years. The back of the note shows nine of the original signatories of the independence agreement.

The banknotes will be available as a single RM60, an uncut sheet of three RM60s, and a RM600 note. The RM600 measures 370 mm x 220 mm (14.5 inches by 8.6 inches), and is reportedly the largest banknote in the world; only 6,000 of them are being printed.

The special PMG label is available at no additional charge, provided notes are submitted according to the special submission instructions below.

Submission Instructions:

• Submit the Malaysia 60th Anniversary of Independence notes under any applicable PMG grading tier. These notes must be submitted on a separate PMG Submission Form to receive the special label.
• Write "Malaysia 60th Anniversary of Independence" in bold letters on the PMG Submission Form to request this special label.
• If you would prefer the PMG Standard Green label, write “PMG Standard Green Label” on the PMG Submission Form.
• The single RM60 fits in PMG's Standard Holder; an uncut sheet of three RM60s fits in PMG's Custom Holder Small (additional fee of $25 USD); and the RM600 note fits in PMG's Custom Holder Large (additional fee of $50 USD). Please note that requests that involve different size holders must be submitted on different submission forms.
• Notes received by PMG within 30 days of release are eligible for the “Early Releases” or “First Releases” special designations. There is an additional fee of $10 (USD) per note for the special designation verification and attribution. If you would like the “Early Releases” designation, write “Early Releases” in bold letters on the PMG Submission Form. If you would like the “First Releases” designation, write “First Releases” in bold letters on the PMG Submission Form. Submit Early Releases and First Releases notes on separate submission forms. Submissions must be received by PMG on or before Monday, February 26, 2018, to be eligible for the Early Releases and First Releases designations. See cutoff dates >
• If you would like the original packaging returned, select or write “Return Packaging” in bold letters on the PMG Submission Form. If Return Packaging is selected, there will be an additional fee of $5 (USD) per invoice, as well as an additional shipping cost, depending on the weight of the packaging.

You can contact Trigometric Sdn Bhd, Malaysia official authorised Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) member at info@trigometric.co or +(603) 7957 9566 for more info.

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Agong launched 60 years Merdeka commemorative banknotes

Bank Negara Malaysia is issuing commemorative banknotes in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement. These commemorative banknotes were launched by His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong XV Sultan Muhammad V at the Museum and Art Gallery, Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.

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.

The banknote obverse symbolising Malaysia as a constitutional monarchy, placed in the middle is the majestic royal throne encircled by the portraits of 15 Yang di-Pertuan Agong who have reigned from 1957 till the present day. 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.

The specifications of the commemorative banknotes are as follows:

RM600 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement commemorative banknote:
Face Value: RM600
Dimension (mm): 370 x 220
Quantity: 6,000
Price: RM1,700 (inclusive of 6% GST)


RM60 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement commemorative banknote:
Face Value: RM60
Dimension (mm): 162 x 84
Quantity: 60,000
Price: RM120 (inclusive of 6% GST)


Uncut 3-in-1 RM60 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement commemorative banknote:
Face Value: RM60 x 3
Dimension (mm): 162 x 252
Quantity: 6,000
Price: RM500 (inclusive of 6% GST)

Note: Prices stated above are inclusive of GST.

Display units of the banknotes will be available for public viewing from Thursday, 21 December 2017 at Bank Negara Malaysia’s Museum and Art Gallery and at the Bank’s offices in Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Kuala Terengganu.

To provide a fair opportunity for the public to buy these limited edition banknotes, there will be a purchase limit (a piece of RM600, a set of Uncut 3-in-1 RM60 and five pieces of RM60 banknotes per person). To improve buying convenience, the public can place their orders online from 5 January 2018. In the event of oversubscription, balloting will take place. Banknotes with special serial numbers will be sold via public auction on 10 March 2018. Further information on the ordering, auction, payment and collection will be informed to the public in a press release prior to the sale date.

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2017 Sarawak banknote: Fantasy or real?

A Malaysian online news recently reported about new 50 Dollar Sarawak banknote with a portrait of Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib bin Mahmud, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak auctioned in eBay by International eBay seller Yuri Minkin.

In the report, someone from Sarawak government mention that it is an offence to prints a banknote with a portrait of a Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak and state coat. 200 people have purchased the banknote so far and the government will investigate this matter.

The latest banknote is a 100 dollar with calm or angry crocodile variety on the banknote reverse. In the future, the will make a design of a 500 dollar with Hornbill on it.

Our search find out that the 2017 Sarawak banknotes sold by Yuri Minkin and the banknote is the work of French graphic artist, Franck Medina. Mr. Medina of Kamberra banknotes is famous for his fantasy banknotes.

One of his famous creation is the Equatorial Territories (2014), the private exclusive series of polymer banknotes that are taking collector's world by storm. This stunning series of polymer banknotes dedicated to geographies located within the Equatorial Belt. This series of banknotes celebrates native cultures and local animals populating the chosen geographies.

One of the note for the Bank of the Equatorial Territories is a 20 Equatorial Francs for Borneo.

Yuri Minkin is a renown banknote collector, a members of International Bank Note Society (IBNS) and one of the largest suppliers of World Paper Money in the world. Searching at yuri Ebay store, (http://stores.ebay.com/yuri111) we found the 2017 Sarawak 100 dollar banknote with different variety of the banknotes.

The banknote have some security features like pattern watermarked paper, microprint, individual serial numbers and UV seal in the front. Only 800 pcs of the banknotes printed and the banknote printed by Gabris banknote. Each banknote have a different variety; Calm and Angry Tiger, Calm and Angry Crocodile.

For collectors, these are all just fantasy banknotes and we know it is not legal tender. Some collectors collect it because of the design and people who design the banknote. Franck Medina fantasy coins and banknotes have been around for over 25 years. I am sure many collectors collect Franck Medina fantasy banknotes but I am not sure why Mr. Medina select Sarawak as one of his subject.

Is it because of the report about Sabah and Sarawak want to separate from Malaysia by other online news few years back?

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RBS £10 note to enter circulation on October 4

The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) will issue its first £10 polymer note to the general public on 4th October 2017. The bank announced the launch date of its new polymer £10 note and unveiled the face of the forthcoming £20 note at its historic branch at St Andrew Square, Edinburgh.

The £10 note features an illustration of Scottish mathematician and astronomer Mary Somerville and is the second in a new series of ‘Fabric of Nature’ themed notes made from De La Rue’s Safeguard® polymer material. The choice of Mary Somerville for the note was made following a public vote across social media.

The new note contains a variety of new security features, making it difficult to counterfeit but easy to authenticate, and is the first Royal Bank of Scotland note to feature raised braille details to help the visually impaired.

Behind Mary’s portrait sits an illustration of her hometown of Burntisland. In a nod to her astronomical work, a moon diagram taken from her book, Mechanism of the Heavens, appears when the note is viewed under UV light. The reverse of the note features a pair of otters, most commonly seen in the UK on the West of Scotland. The note also features words from acclaimed Scottish poet, Norman MacCaig.

Speaking at the launch at the bank’s flagship St Andrew Square branch in Edinburgh, CEO Ross McEwan said: “At the Royal Bank of Scotland, we feel that a banknote’s value is more than just the figure printed across its front - it is our symbol which lives in people’s pockets and touches everyday lives.

“It has been 30 years since we produced a new £10 note and as the Royal Bank of Scotland, we wanted the public to help influence the design. They helped influence our theme of Fabric of Nature and helped us consider the impact Mary Somerville has had on our understanding of the world in which we live. It is fitting that our most advanced note yet will carry her portrait.”

The new £10 note will be 15% smaller than its paper equivalent and the new material will be cleaner, more secure and more durable than traditional cotton notes, on average lasting 2.5 times longer.

The creation of the new note involved a number of key Scottish arts organisations and designers including Graven Images, Nile, Stucco, Timorous Beasties, O’Street and the Glasgow School of Art. In total, 27 different designers and artists have been involved in its development.

The new £20 note will feature philanthropist and entrepreneur Catherine Cranston, famous for the Willow Tearooms. Catherine, from Glasgow, made her mark for her series of tearooms across the city.

Source: Royal Bank of Scotland

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