5 ringgit 1967

Common. While this is an early issue from Brunei's first currency series (1967), eBay market data shows consistent trading activity across multiple grades. VF examples sell for approximately $22–$50, while PMG 64 examples consistently sold for $69–$146.50 in the 2017–2020 period. The PMG 67 EPQ grade achieved approximately $150+ value (comparable to the 2019 UNC catalog value of $150), indicating strong demand but not scarcity. Early Brunei notes from this series were printed in substantial quantities by Bradbury Wilkinson, and PMG population reports show this variety (P-2a) was extensively graded, confirming adequate availability in the collector market.

This note commemorates Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III, who reigned during Brunei's transition to independence and modernization in the 1960s. The reverse features the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, an architectural landmark completed in 1958 that symbolizes Brunei's Islamic heritage and the Sultan's vision for the nation. The dual-language inscriptions (Malay and English) reflect Brunei's position as a former British protectorate establishing its own monetary identity in 1967.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III positioned on the right side, depicted in military uniform with a distinctive cap, facing left in profile. His image also appears as the watermark. The central design incorporates the Brunei coat of arms in multicolored (blue and orange/gold) enamel work. Ornamental borders with geometric patterns frame the composition. The reverse showcases a detailed architectural engraving of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque with its characteristic central dome and tall minaret, rendered in green and gray against a pink/rose sky gradient. Large denomination numerals appear in all four corners. The overall design aesthetic reflects mid-20th century banknote engraving conventions with emphasis on national symbols and Islamic architectural heritage.

Front: 'KERAJAAN BRUNEI' (Malay: Kingdom of Brunei), 'GOVERNMENT OF BRUNEI' (English), 'LIMA RINGGIT FIVE DOLLARS' (Malay/English: Five Ringgit Five Dollars). Serial number A/1 564849. Back: 'كراجاان برونى' (Arabic: Kingdom of Brunei), 'GOVERNMENT OF BRUNEI' (English). The dual denomination nomenclature reflects the note's transition period when Brunei ringgit values were expressed in relation to dollars.

Intaglio engraving with fine line work and multicolored security printing. The note was produced by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. (BWC) of New Malden, England, one of the premier security printing houses of the era. Multiple color plates were used to create the layered effect visible on both the obverse (multicolored coat of arms and security underprinting) and reverse (pink sky gradient background). The watermark featuring Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III was incorporated during the paper manufacture phase.

This is cataloged as Pick 2a (Brunei P-2a), the Bradbury Wilkinson printing variant of the 5 Ringgit 1967 issue. According to the PMG population data, multiple varieties exist for this denomination: P-2a (BWC printer—this note), P-2cts (BWC, commemorative), and P-2s (BWC, specimen). The serial number format (A/1 564849) is consistent with the standard circulation issue. No overprints, signatures, or date variations are evident on the observed note. This represents the standard first release of Brunei's 5 Ringgit currency.