100 rupiah 1963

Common. Despite being a regionally designated issue for Irian Barat, the eBay market data shows consistent pricing in the $2.49–$17.05 USD range for UNC specimens, with only one outlier at $199.50 USD (likely a special lot or misclassified listing). The 2008 catalog value of $300 UNC appears inflated compared to current market reality. The consistent availability of multiple UNC examples at low prices indicates this note was produced in substantial quantities and remains readily available in the collector market. The 1963 print run was evidently large enough to ensure common market availability today.

This note was issued during Indonesia's administration of Irian Barat (West Irian), the western half of New Guinea that Indonesia incorporated in 1963 following UN-negotiated transfer from Dutch control. The military-uniformed portrait on the obverse likely represents a significant Indonesian leader or administrator of the period, while the commemorative tower structure on the reverse suggests a monument of regional or national importance celebrating Indonesian sovereignty over the newly acquired territory. The 'Irian Barat' designation on the obverse explicitly identifies this as a special regional issue marking this significant geopolitical transition.

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of a military figure wearing a black peci (traditional Indonesian military hat) and formal uniform, positioned on the left side of the note. The central design showcases the Garuda Pancasila, Indonesia's national emblem featuring a stylized eagle with outstretched wings protecting a shield containing the national symbols, rendered in red-orange on a pink background. Green borders with decorative floral corner elements frame the design. The reverse depicts two profile portraits—a woman on the left and a man on the right wearing traditional Indonesian headwear—flanking an ornate tower or minaret-style monument with detailed geometric patterning. The background is enriched with intricate batik-style decorative motifs in burgundy and pink tones, characteristic of traditional Indonesian artistic design. Both sides incorporate fine line engraving throughout, with the denomination '100' prominently displayed in multiple corners.

Front side: '100' (denomination in numerals), 'BANK INDONESIA' (issuing authority), '1960' (design date), 'IRIAN BARAT' (West Irian/target region), 'PD. GUBERNUR' (Governor), 'DIREKTUR' (Director), 'SERATUS RUPIAH' (One Hundred Rupiah in words). Back side: '100' (denomination), 'SERATUS RUPIAH' (One Hundred Rupiah), 'IBG069919' (serial number), 'BARANG SIAPA MENIRU ATAU MEMALSUKAN UANG KERTAS DAN BARANGSIAPA MENGELUARKAN DENGAN SENGAJA ATAU MENJIMPAN UANG KERTAS ATAU UANG KERTAS YANG DIPALSUKAN AKAN DITUNTUT DIMUKA HAKIM' (Anyone who counterfeits or forges banknotes and anyone who intentionally issues or keeps counterfeit banknotes or forged currency will be prosecuted in court - standard counterfeiting warning).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving and steel die engraving), evidenced by the fine detail work, intricate portrait features, delicate floral elements, and complex batik-style background patterns visible throughout both sides. The precise color separation and multi-color printing indicate the use of separate engraved plates for different color layers (green, pink, burgundy, black, and red-orange). This note was likely produced by the Indonesian government's central bank printing facility or an international security printer contracted for the project, typical of Bank Indonesia's high-security currency production standards during this period.

This specimen carries serial number IBG069919, with the 'IBG' prefix indicating Bank Indonesia (Bank Indonesia Garuda or similar designation). The visual analysis shows a design date of 1960 on the obverse, which differs from the catalog-listed issue year of 1963—this is typical for Bank Indonesia notes where the design date predates the official release year. Known varieties of this Pick number (P-R5) may include different signature combinations of the Governor and Director, serial number prefix variations, and minor design plate variations, but without comparison to other specimens or detailed variety catalogs, the specific variety of this example cannot be definitively established from the available information.