The Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) 50-dollar commemorative banknote 2017
In 2017, the Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) issued a special 50-dollar commemorative banknote to celebrate the Golden Jubilee (50th anniversary) of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s accession to the throne. The Sultan, one of the longest-reigning monarchs in the world, ascended the throne on October 5, 1967.
This limited-edition note was released to honor his leadership and contributions to Brunei, featuring royal symbols, cultural heritage, and moments from his reign.
Overview of the Front and Back Note
The obverse (front) side of the banknote features a portrait of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in full ceremonial attire, adorned with military decorations. Behind him, a golden illustration of a royal regalia scene is depicted, including the ceremonial sword and crown, representing the tradition and continuity of Brunei’s monarchy. The background also features the iconic Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, one of Brunei’s most important landmarks.
The reverse (back) side showcases a memorable scene of the Sultan interacting with his people, a reference to his closeness to the citizens of Brunei and his commitment to their well-being. The text at the bottom states: “50th Anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne”, marking the historic occasion.
Design Features
Obverse (Front)
- Portrait of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah – Depicting the monarch in full ceremonial attire, symbolizing his leadership and royal authority.
- Golden Royal Regalia Illustration – Featuring Brunei’s historic ceremonial symbols, including the royal crown and sword.
- Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque – Representing Brunei’s Islamic heritage and architectural excellence.
- Denomination “$50” – Clearly printed in the top right corner.
- Brunei’s National Emblem – Displayed in a decorative geometric pattern, signifying national pride.
Reverse (Back)
- Sultan’s Interaction with the People – A tribute to his close relationship with the citizens of Brunei.
- Text: “50th Anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne” – Highlighting the Golden Jubilee celebration.
- Denomination “$50” – Reaffirming the value of the note.
- Elegant Gold and Yellow Background – Enhancing the luxurious and celebratory feel of the note.
Color Scheme
- The front side features a rich golden-yellow theme, symbolizing royalty, prosperity, and celebration.
- The back side continues with golden hues, emphasizing the significance of the 50-year milestone.
This vibrant and prestigious color palette reflects Brunei’s royal heritage and the grandeur of the occasion.
Dimensions
- Width: 152 mm
- Length: 76 mm
The note follows standard Bruneian banknote dimensions, ensuring ease of handling and recognition.
Security Features
The 2017 “50th Anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne” 50 Dollars Commemorative Banknote integrates state-of-the-art security features to prevent counterfeiting and ensure authenticity:
- Watermark – A hidden portrait of the Sultan, visible when held against the light.
- Security Thread – A thin embedded strip running through the note.
- Microprinting – Fine text details only visible under magnification, preventing forgery.
- Raised Printing – Certain elements, such as the portrait and denomination, have a textured feel, allowing authentication by touch.
- UV Features – Some portions of the note glow under ultraviolet light, adding an extra layer of protection.
- Color-Shifting Ink – Some text and patterns change color when tilted, enhancing security.
- Transparent Window Feature – A see-through security element unique to polymer banknotes.
These advanced security features ensure the banknote remains durable, authentic, and resistant to counterfeiting.
Circulation and Collectibility
- This 50-dollar banknote was issued in limited numbers, making it a valuable collector’s item.
- While it was legal tender, many were kept as collector’s pieces rather than being used for transactions.
- The unique occasion (Golden Jubilee) and stunning design make it highly desirable among numismatists and royal memorabilia collectors.
- Over time, its rarity and historical significance have increased its value, making it a great investment.
- Many specimens exist in uncirculated condition, further enhancing their collectibility.