5 rupiah 1968
Market Prices
31 salesAbout This Note
This 1968 Bank Indonesia 5 Rupiah (Pick 104) is presented in uncirculated condition with pristine surfaces and vibrant color preservation across its purple and multicolored design. The note features a left-facing female portrait on the obverse and an architectural scene depicting hydroelectric dam construction on the reverse, representing Indonesia's post-independence modernization efforts. The exceptional eye appeal, sharp engraving details, and absence of any wear make this an excellent example of mid-20th century Indonesian currency design.
Common. The eBay market data shows consistent sales activity across multiple years (2013-2025) with UNC specimens regularly selling in the $2-$7 range and reaching $4.5 USD catalog value in 2019. The PMG population report indicates professional grading activity but no extreme scarcity markers. High-grade PMG-certified specimens (67) commanded $255-$276 in 2020, reflecting premiums for exceptional grades rather than rarity of the base issue. The steady supply and moderate pricing confirm this as a standard circulation issue from Bank Indonesia's 1968 series.
Issued in 1968 during President Suharto's early New Order period, this banknote commemorates Indonesia's rapid industrialization and infrastructure development following independence. The reverse's depiction of the Jatiluhur Dam construction symbolizes the nation's ambitious hydroelectric projects aimed at modernizing the economy and establishing national self-sufficiency. The guarantee clause on the reverse referencing gold or foreign currency exchange reflects Indonesia's monetary policy during the post-Sukarno stabilization era.
The obverse features a left-facing female portrait in profile with elaborate period hairstyling, positioned at the left side of the note. The Indonesian national coat of arms—featuring a single star above an umbrella-like shield symbol—is positioned at center-right as a watermark area. The design incorporates ornate scrollwork and decorative borders typical of 1960s currency engraving, with multiple oval medallions displaying the numeral '5' throughout. The reverse depicts the Jatiluhur Dam construction site with multi-story buildings, bridge or viaduct structures, and mountainous background landscape, representing Indonesia's major infrastructure development project. Ornamental medals and geometric patterns frame the architectural scene, with the gold exchange guarantee text positioned prominently across the lower portion.
Front side: 'BANK INDONESIA' (Bank Indonesia), 'LIMA RUPIAH' (Five Rupiah), '1968' (year of issue), 'DIREKTUR' (Director), 'GUBERNUR' (Governor), 'H. SADJIROEN DELL' (signature/name area), 'P.H. PERTJATAKAN KERAJAAN INS' (Royal/State Printing, partially visible). Back side: Serial number 'XNV034251', denomination '5' (Five), 'BANK INDONESIA MENJAMIN BAHWA UANG KERTAS INI DITUKAR DENGAN EMAS ATAU DEVISA ATAS PERMINTAAN ATAU MENURUT CARA YANG AKAN DITENTUKAN DIMUKA HAKIM' (Bank Indonesia guarantees that this banknote can be exchanged for gold or foreign currency upon request or according to methods to be determined before a judge).
Intaglio (engraved) printing, executed by Pertjetakan Kebajoran (identified from catalog data). The visual analysis reveals complex engraved line work, cross-hatching patterns, and sophisticated guilloché designs characteristic of security printing from this era. Multiple color variants achieved through sequential intaglio passes are evident in the purple, pink, light blue, cream, orange, and beige tones observed across both sides.
Serial number prefix 'XNV' is observed on this specimen. The signature area shows 'H. SADJIROEN DELL' as the signer. Signature varieties and serial number prefixes likely exist for this Pick number, common for Indonesian notes of this period. The printer attribution to Pertjetakan Kebajoran should be verified against known printing varieties. No obvious overprints or experimental markings are evident in this uncirculated example.
