By Alan Teh Leam Seng - February 4, 2018 @ 2:20pm
A group of King George VI banknotes used in Malaya.
“HAVE you checked the results for the largest bank note in Malaysian history? Bank Negara released the list of successful bidders just a few days ago. I’m so glad I’m among the successful ones,” shared my notaphilist friend cheerily when we bumped into each other in town recently.
His words jolt my memory. I’ve been so caught up with work lately that this important matter completely slipped my mind. In mid-December last year, Bank Negara Malaysia’s Governor Tan Sri Muhammad Ibrahim caused a buzz among collectors when he announced that the central bank would issue the largest known commemorative banknote in the world, measuring a whopping 370mm by 220mm!
At the event held at Bank Negara’s Museum and Art Gallery, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V launched the banknotes issued in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement. The design was based on the theme Raja Payung Kedaulatan Negara and the banknotes would have state-of-the-art security features.
I recall my friend and I chatted for a while about the current resurgence in interest regarding Malaysian bank notes, especially the ones issued prior to the Second World War. One clear indicator, according to my friend, is the record number of exhibitions and fairs organised throughout the country of late.
“Apart from imparting knowledge, especially to novice collectors, these events have successfully stirred interest among non-collectors as they may have some long forgotten paper money stashed away somewhere at home,” my friend added.
There’s definitely truth in his words as stories have emerged over the years about people making spectacular finds while clearing out their attic or storeroom. As much as I wanted to continue talking, the desire to return home to check the results soon set me on my way.
Banknotes issued by the pan-Malayan Currency Commission had all the state crests on the back.
