1 ringgit 1967 specimen

Common. Although this is a specimen note (which typically have lower print runs than regular circulation notes), the eBay price data shows consistent UNC examples trading in a wide range from $1.99 to $146.98 USD, with several UNC sales clustered around $60–65 USD, indicating established market availability. The Pick catalog lists P-1s as a recognized variety with PMG population data available, suggesting adequate specimens have survived. Specimen notes from 1967 Brunei's first currency issue are not difficult to locate, and market prices do not reflect genuine scarcity.

This note was issued in 1967 following Brunei's transition to independence and establishment of its own currency system under the Kerajaan Brunei (Brunei State). The portrait of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III, shown in full military regalia, reflects his paramount role as the reigning monarch during this pivotal nation-building period. The reverse features the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, completed in 1958, which became an enduring national symbol and appears prominently on Brunei's currency as a testament to the Sultan's patronage and the nation's Islamic heritage.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III positioned at right, rendered in profile facing right, wearing a military dress uniform with cap—a deliberate iconographic choice emphasizing the Sultan's authority and statesmanship. The reverse showcases the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque (also known as the Jame'asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque) with its distinctive large central dome, multiple smaller domes, ornate minaret tower bearing the Brunei flag, and detailed Islamic architectural elements including columns and arches. Both sides are rendered in purple and lavender tones with dark blue/navy accents over multicolored underprints, featuring elaborate geometric and floral ornamental patterns characteristic of high-security banknote engraving. The Brunei national coat of arms/emblem appears on the reverse. Decorative borders frame both sides with fine-line work throughout.

FRONT: 'KERAJAAN BRUNEI' (Brunei State/Kingdom), 'GOVERNMENT OF BRUNEI' (English version), 'SATU RINGGIT' (One Ringgit in Malay), 'DOLLAR' (alternative denomination name), 'KELUARAN/1967' (Issue/1967), 'SPECIMEN' (overprint marking), 'SULTAN' (title of portrait subject), Serial numbers 'A/000000' and 'T/000000' (specimen notes typically bear zeros). BACK: 'SPECIMEN' (diagonal overprint), 'GOVERNMENT OF BRUNEI' (English), 'KERAJAAN BRUNEI' (Malay).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing), executed by Bradbury Wilkinson (BWC), New Malden—a premier British security printer. The fine line patterns, geometric designs, ornamental vignettes, and the exceptional detail visible in the mosque's architectural rendering all reflect the sophisticated engraving techniques of this specialist printer. The multicolored underprinting with purple, lavender, and dark blue inks demonstrates advanced color security printing methodology typical of high-denomination currency production in the 1960s.

This note is specifically cataloged as P-1s (specimen variety of the 1 Ringgit denomination). The PMG population report indicates variant P-1a (regular issue) and P-1cts (color trial specimen) also exist for this base Pick number. The specimen overprint in red diagonal text is the defining characteristic of this variety. Serial numbers appear as A/000000 and T/000000 typical of specimen notes produced for currency distribution samples. No signature varieties or date variants are indicated for this 1967 issue; the 'KELUARAN/1967' marking on the obverse confirms the issue year.