The Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) 25-dollar commemorative banknote
The Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) issued a special 25-dollar commemorative banknote to mark the Silver Jubilee (25 years) of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s accession to the throne, in 1991. This milestone, celebrated on October 5, 1992, honored the Sultan’s leadership, contributions, and commitment to the nation’s progress since his ascension in 1967.
The 25-dollar denomination is unique, as it is rarely used in standard currency issuance, making this note one of Brunei’s most distinctive and highly collectible banknotes.
Overview of the Front and Back Note
The obverse (front) side of the banknote features a detailed portrait of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in military attire, symbolizing his leadership and dedication to Brunei’s sovereignty. The background includes ceremonial elements from royal traditions, such as the Sultan’s parade, palace, and regalia, representing the grandeur and continuity of Brunei’s monarchy.
The reverse (back) side illustrates the Sultan’s coronation ceremony, depicting His Majesty receiving the royal regalia in a sacred ceremony. The text “25th Anniversary of the Accession to the Throne” (1967-1992) is prominently displayed at the top, marking the historic occasion.
Design Features
Obverse (Front)
- Portrait of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah – Depicting the monarch in full ceremonial military dress, symbolizing his role as Brunei’s ruler and defender.
- Illustration of Bruneian Royal Traditions – Featuring the Sultan’s ceremonial parade, royal regalia, and the Istana Nurul Iman palace.
- Denomination “25 Dollars” – Clearly printed in both Arabic numerals and text.
- Official Seal of Brunei – Displayed in a decorative geometric pattern, enhancing the note’s authenticity.
Reverse (Back)
- Illustration of the Sultan’s Coronation Ceremony – Depicting His Majesty receiving the royal regalia, a symbolic moment of power and responsibility.
- Text: “25th Anniversary of the Accession to the Throne (1967-1992)” – Marking the significance of the Silver Jubilee celebration.
- Denomination “25” – Displayed prominently in multiple locations for easy recognition.
Color Scheme
- The front side features shades of purple, green, and gold, reflecting royalty, prosperity, and the grandeur of the monarchy.
- The back side continues with a mix of purple, green, and beige tones, complementing the royal and historic elements.
The vibrant yet elegant color palette reinforces the luxurious and commemorative nature of the banknote.
Dimensions
- Width: 149 mm
- Length: 72 mm
The slightly larger size distinguishes it from regular banknotes, emphasizing its special edition status.
Security Features
The 1992 “25th Anniversary of Accession to the Throne” 25 Dollars Commemorative Banknote integrates state-of-the-art security features to prevent counterfeiting and ensure authenticity:
- Watermark – A hidden portrait of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, visible when held against the light.
- Security Thread – A thin embedded metallic strip running vertically through the note.
- Microprinting – Tiny text that can only be seen 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 changes color when tilted, enhancing security.
- Holographic Elements – Reflective foil security features unique to Brunei’s commemorative banknotes.
These advanced security measures ensure that the banknote remains durable, authentic, and resistant to counterfeiting.
Circulation and Collectibility
- This 25-dollar banknote was issued in limited numbers, making it a valuable collector’s item.
- While it was legal tender, it was not widely circulated, as many were kept as collector’s pieces rather than used for transactions.
- The unusual denomination (25 Dollars) was chosen to reflect the 25th anniversary, making it historically significant.
- Over time, its rarity and association with the Sultan’s Silver Jubilee have increased its investment and sentimental value.
- Many specimens remain in uncirculated condition, making them even more desirable among collectors.