1 ringgit 1980

Common. The 1980 Brunei 1 Ringgit (P-6b) was part of the standard circulation series issued between 1972-1988. Catalog values from 2019 show UNC examples at $22.50, and recent eBay market data demonstrates consistent sales in the $2-11 range across VF to EF grades, with most transactions below $5. The large cumulative print run and continued availability in the secondary market confirm this as a common, widely available note. UNC examples command modest premiums but remain routinely obtainable.

Issued during the reign of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah I (who ascended in 1967), this 1980 banknote reflects Brunei's growing economic independence and national identity following the 1979 Treaty of Paris. The prominence given to the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque on the reverse underscores Brunei's Islamic heritage and the importance of religious institutions in the sultanate's governance. The dual-language inscriptions (Malay and English) and bilingual monetary denomination ('Satu Ringgit/One Dollar') illustrate Brunei's position as a former British protectorate transitioning toward full sovereignty.

The obverse features a right-facing portrait of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah I in military uniform wearing the traditional Brunei royal headpiece (tengkolok), positioned in the right portion of the note. His portrait also appears as the watermark for security purposes. The design is framed by ornate decorative borders incorporating four-pointed star elements in corner panels containing large denomination numerals '1'. Fine scrollwork and floral patterns in purple and mauve tones fill the background. The reverse presents the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque (also known as the Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque), depicting its iconic central dome, multiple minarets topped with Islamic crescents, detailed arched architectural features, and columned entrances. The Brunei national coat of arms appears on the lower right of the reverse. Both sides employ consistent color treatment and decorative framing.

Front side: 'KERAJAAN BRUNEI' (Kingdom of Brunei), 'GOVERNMENT OF BRUNEI' (Government of Brunei), 'SATU RINGGIT' (One Ringgit), 'ONE DOLLAR' (One Dollar), 'KELUARAN SERIES' (Issue Series), '1980' (Year of issue), 'SULTAN' (Sultan), and 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD NEW MALDEN, SURREY, ENGLAND' (printer information). Serial number: A20960117. Reverse side: 'كراجاان برونى' (Kerajaan Brunei in Arabic script—Kingdom of Brunei), 'GOVERNMENT OF BRUNEI' (Government of Brunei).

Intaglio engraving (steel or copper plate engraving), executed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co, Ltd., a renowned London-based security printer. The fine-line engraving visible in the portrait details, intricate background patterns, architectural elements, and ornamental borders are hallmarks of traditional intaglio production. The sharp, crisp impression and exceptional detail rendering confirm professional security printing techniques.

This note is identified as Pick 6b variant. The PMG population report indicates six catalogued variants (P-6a through P-6d, plus P-6cts and P-6s), all produced by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. Variations typically relate to signature combinations, serial number series prefixes, or minor design modifications across the 1972-1988 issuance period. The observed serial number A20960117 and the 1980 date marking place this specifically within the 1980 issue phase. Without additional signature or prefix information visible, precise sub-variety designation cannot be further refined from the images alone.