2 1/2 rupiah 1951
Market Prices
23 salesAbout This Note
This is an UNC example of the Indonesia 2½ Rupiah from 1951 (Pick P-39), featuring vibrant red/pink tones on the obverse with a tropical landscape motif and the Indonesian national emblem (Garuda Pancasila) on the reverse in black/dark green. The note exhibits light age-related discoloration and foxing consistent with preservation of a 70+ year old banknote, with crisp detail visible throughout the fine engraved design and clear legibility of all inscriptions.
Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales across all grades over many years, with UNC examples regularly trading in the $10-$20 range historically and lower in recent years ($3.46-$15.62 recent UNC sales). The 1951 2½ Rupiah was issued in substantial quantities for regular circulation and remains readily available to collectors. No evidence of low print runs, recall, or scarcity exists.
Issued during the early years of the Indonesian Republic following independence from the Dutch in 1945, this 1951 note represents the nation's initial currency designs promoting national sovereignty and identity. The prominent display of the Garuda Pancasila emblem and the national motto 'Binneka Tunggal Ika' (Unity in Diversity) reflects Indonesia's commitment to national consolidation during a formative period of republic-building and economic stabilization.
The obverse features a romanticized tropical landscape with distinctive rocky coastal or mountainous terrain on the left side and palm trees on the right, rendered in warm red and cream tones. Ornamental corner designs with scrollwork adorn all four corners, and a decorative circular emblem occupies the center. The reverse displays Indonesia's national emblem, the Garuda Pancasila, with fully spread wings and a shield containing a star and crescent symbol with a palm tree motif—a potent symbol of national identity and the five founding principles of the Indonesian state. Both sides feature symmetrical ornamental borders and denominations rendered in large numerals.
FRONT SIDE: 'Republik Indonesia' (Republic of Indonesia), 'Tanda Pembayaran Uang Sah' (Legal tender note), 'Dua Setengah' (Two and a half), 'Rupiah' (Rupiah currency), 'Menteri Keuangan' (Minister of Finance), Serial number 'BP028546', '1951' (date of issue), '2½' (denomination). BACK SIDE: 'Republik Indonesia' (Republic of Indonesia), 'Dua Setengah Rupiah' (Two and a half Rupiah), 'Barangsiapa meniru atau memalsukan uang kertas...' (Anyone who counterfeits or forges banknotes and anyone who knowingly issues or possesses counterfeit or forged banknotes will be prosecuted under the law), 'Binneka Tunggal Ika' (Unity in Diversity - Indonesian national motto), 'Security Banknote Company' (printer identification).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), as evidenced by the fine detailed linework, sharp ornamental patterns, and crisp inscription rendering visible throughout both sides. The Security Banknote Company of the USA, a specialized security printer of the era, produced this note using traditional high-security engraved plate printing methods characteristic of professional currency production.
Serial number prefix 'BP' observed on this example. The Pick P-39 standard issue for 1951 is known with various serial number prefixes. The reference catalog notes a similar later note exists as Indonesia P-41, indicating this is part of a related series. No overprints or unusual variants noted on the observed specimen; this represents a standard circulation type of the 1951 issue.
