1 rupiah 1968
Market Prices
56 salesAbout This Note
This is a crisp, uncirculated example of Indonesia's 1968 Bank Indonesia 1 Rupiah note (Pick P-102), featuring a classical portrait of General Sudirman in red and pink on the obverse and a traditional-dress figure collecting copra on the reverse. The note displays exceptional quality with sharp engraving, vibrant color printing, and no signs of circulation or wear. With its strong visual appeal and historical significance as an early post-independence Indonesian denomination, this UNC specimen represents a desirable entry point into Indonesian numismatics.
Common. Auction price data from RealBanknotes shows UNC examples consistently selling between $1.51 and $9.99 across a 12-year period (2011-2023), with most transactions in the $2-4 range. PMG-graded examples in the 64-67 range command higher prices ($10-23), but the abundance of sales history and low prices indicate substantial print runs and ready availability. This denomination from this year shows no evidence of scarcity or premium collector demand beyond standard numismatic interest.
This 1968 issue was printed during Indonesia's early post-independence period under Bank Indonesia's governance. The portrait of General Sudirman on the obverse honors a pivotal military and nationalist figure in Indonesian independence, while the reverse's depiction of traditional economic activity reflects Indonesia's focus on its agrarian and resource-based economy during nation-building. The note's design and denomination choices reflect the monetary stabilization efforts following the hyperinflation of the early 1960s.
The obverse features a left-facing profile portrait of General Sudirman, rendered in classical engraving style with red and pink coloration against a cream background with purple-mauve security pattern underprinting. An ornate circular denomination numeral '1' appears in the lower left corner with decorative rosette patterns framing the corners. Two signature lines labeled 'GUBERNUR' and 'DIREKTUR' occupy the center, with printer attribution marks at the base. The reverse depicts a seated figure in traditional Indonesian dress with elaborate batik patterning, shown in three-quarter view on the left side. A prominent ornate medallion containing the numeral '1' with intricate geometric and floral micro-patterns dominates the right side. Corner rosettes and similar purple-mauve background security patterning maintain design continuity. The counterfeit warning appears prominently across the center.
Front: 'BANK INDONESIA' (Bank Indonesia); 'SATU RUPIAH' (One Rupiah); '1968' (year of issue); 'GUBERNUR' (Governor); 'DIREKTUR' (Director); 'JUALIES DEL' (engraver/printer mark); 'BN. PERJETAKAN KEBAJORAN INI' (Pertjetakan Kebajoran printing house mark). Back: 'BANK INDONESIA' (Bank Indonesia); Serial number 'CYU018129'; '1' (denomination); 'MENGANGSANA MENIRU ATAU MEMALSUKAN UANG KERTAS DAN MENGGUNARANNYA DENGAN SENGAJA ATAU MEMIMPIM UANG KERTAS YANG DIPALSUKAN AKAN DITUNTUT SESUAI DENGAN UNDANG-UNDANG' (Counterfeiting, imitating, or knowingly using counterfeit banknotes will be prosecuted according to law).
Intaglio (copperplate) engraving, a traditional security printing method evident from the fine line work, intricate geometric background patterns, and complex medallion designs with micro-line detailing. The printer is identified as Pertjetakan Kebajoran (Kebajoran Printing), a prominent Indonesian security printer. The multi-color printing in red, pink, purple, and cream was accomplished through successive intaglio plate passes, typical of high-quality banknote production of the era.
Serial number prefix 'CYU' indicates a specific printing batch from Pertjetakan Kebajoran. While this Pick P-102 (1968 issue) may exist in various signature and serial number combinations, no major varieties affecting collector value have been documented in standard catalogs. The note observed shows standard signature positions for the Governor and Director roles typical of the 1968 printing.
