10 ringgit 1976

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows multiple sales across all condition grades with UNC examples regularly selling in the $120–175 range (2013–2015 data), which is consistent with a widely-circulated issue from a large print run. The base Pick number P-8a was produced over a 10-year period (1976–1986) by a major security printer, ensuring substantial circulation. Modern collector demand is steady but not exceptional, confirming common status.

This note was issued in 1976, just seven years after Brunei gained independence from British protectorate status in 1971, marking the establishment of the nation's own currency system under the Kerajaan Brunei (Government of Brunei). The portrait of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah I legitimizes the new nation-state's sovereignty, while the reverse's depiction of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin mosque—the country's most important Islamic religious monument—symbolizes Brunei's Islamic identity and architectural heritage. The bilingual English-Malay inscriptions and Arabic script reflect Brunei's dual colonial legacy and Islamic foundation.

The obverse portrays His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei, shown in profile facing right wearing a formal red military dress uniform with decorative insignia and the traditional Bruneian 'Penutup Kepala' formal headgear. An ornate geometric shield-like pattern occupies the center, with decorative floral medallion designs in the corners containing the denomination numerals. The reverse features an architectural engraving of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin mosque (also known as the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah or the Central Mosque), identifiable by its prominent central dome, multiple slender minarets topped with Islamic crescents, ornamental crenellated walls, and classical Islamic architectural details. The Brunei coat of arms appears in the lower right. The bilateral design scheme reflects the nation's positioning between Islamic tradition and modern governance.

FRONT: 'KERAJAAN BRUNEI' (Kingdom of Brunei) in Malay; 'GOVERNMENT OF BRUNEI' in English; 'SA-PULOH RINGGIT' / 'TEN DOLLARS' (10 Ringgit / Ten Dollars in Malay and English); 'KELUARAN SERIES' (Issue Series); '1976' (year of issue); 'SULTAN' identifying the portrait; Serial number 'A/8 403532' (printed twice). BACK: Arabic/Jawi script 'كرجاجاان برونى' (Kerajaan Brunei / Kingdom of Brunei); 'GOVERNMENT OF BRUNEI' in English; Denomination '10' in ornate designs.

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) executed by Bradbury Wilkinson and Company (BWC), New Malden, England, a renowned security printer. The fine line work, precise geometric patterns, ornate medallions, and detailed architectural rendering are characteristic of high-quality engraved banknote production. The sharp definition and crisp impression visible throughout indicate first-rate security printing standards of the era.

This example is identified as Pick-8a (P-8a), the primary variety of the 10 Ringgit 1976 issue printed by Bradbury Wilkinson and Company. The PMG catalog records four variants for this base Pick number (P-8a, P-8b, P-8r, and P-8s), though specific distinguishing characteristics between variants are not detailed in available references. The serial number prefix 'A/8' is consistent with early printings. No overprints, security device changes, or signature variations are evident that would indicate a secondary variety or commemorative issue.