10 ringgit 1976

Common. This is a regular-issue banknote from a lengthy circulation period (1976-1986) with substantial print runs typical of a working denomination for Brunei's economy. eBay market data confirms common status, with most sales ranging from $8-$30 for circulated examples, and even uncirculated specimens selling in the $120-$175 range, which is consistent with readily available notes from this series. PMG has recorded multiple variants (P-8a through P-8s), indicating no single variety is restricted in availability.

Issued during the 1976-1986 series period following Brunei's path toward greater autonomy, this banknote commemorates Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah I, who led the nation during a transformative era. The reverse features the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, a symbol of Brunei's Islamic heritage and national identity, reflecting the sultanate's deep cultural and religious foundations during this period of modern state consolidation.

The obverse presents Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah I positioned at right, depicted in formal military uniform with traditional red and white striped headgear (songkok), rendered in red and multicolored tones with ornamental borders. A matching portrait serves as the watermark security feature. The design incorporates an elaborate central emblem featuring intricate geometric patterns representing Brunei's national insignia, with decorative rosette designs anchoring the corners. The reverse showcases the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan's most prominent religious and architectural landmark, characterized by its distinctive large central dome and multiple minarets in Islamic architectural style. Arabic calligraphy appears at the top of the reverse, and matching corner rosettes and national insignia frame the composition. Both sides employ symmetrical ornamental borders with fine line work.

Front side: 'KERAJAAN BRUNEI' (State of Brunei), 'GOVERNMENT OF BRUNEI', 'SA-PULOH RINGGIT' (Ten Ringgit), 'TEN DOLLARS', 'KELUARAN 1981 SERIES' (1981 Series Issue), 'SULTAN', serial number 'A/11 322780', and denomination marking '10'. Reverse side: 'كراجاان برونى' (Kerajaan Brunei - State of Brunei in Arabic/Jawi script), 'GOVERNMENT OF BRUNEI', and denomination marking '10'.

Intaglio printing on security paper, produced by Bradbury Wilkinson & Company (BWC), New Malden. The visual analysis confirms the characteristic fine line engraving, intricate border work, complex shading and stippling throughout the architectural and portrait details, and the precision typical of this respected security printer's output. The watermark portrait and high-quality paper stock reflect BWC's standard for Commonwealth currency production.

This specimen is cataloged as Pick P-8a, printed by BWC (Bradbury Wilkinson & Company). The serial number prefix 'A/11' and the inscription 'KELUARAN 1981 SERIES' visible on the obverse indicate this is from the 1981 subset of the broader 1976-1986 issue period. Additional catalog variants exist (P-8b, P-8r, P-8s), likely representing different printing batches, series dates, or security features, though this note's specific variety designation is P-8a per the Pick catalog.