This colorful Indonesian banknote represents the 1st denomination of the 4th Series Rupiah. Also know as the "Flowers and Birds" series. The notes of this colorful series features the native flowers and birds of Indonesia. They were produced by world renown British printer Thomas De La Rue (TDLR). These notes were replaced by Indonesian produced "Handicraft" Series (1959-1961).
Due to their age and impressive artwork, completing this series can be relatively costly. With prices generally rising at the higher denominations. The uncirculated 100, 500, 1,000 Rupiah are particularly hard to source, at responsible princes.
Observe
The observe features a beautiful illustration of a Tuberose flower. The Tuberose is originally native to central and southern Mexico. Although has been since been grown other tropical/temperate regions. Due to its use as a floral note, in some perfumes. Its use as a standalone fragrance, is often avoided as it can be overpowering. Additionally its flowers are used in Indonesian cooking.
Above the note's header reads "Bank Indonesia". Below the flower is the notes (trans.) "1 January 1959" print date. This print date is flanked by a pair of signatures. The left represents the Bank Governor (Gubenur), while the right represents the Director (Direktor).
Along the note's sides are decorative designs. Near the upper corners are outward facing "petaled comas". Above and below these designs are the note dual-serial numbers (5XDZ46864). Moving to the lower corners are elaborate 16-point backing. Printed above them are a pair of number "5"s, representing the note's 5 Rupiah value. An additional number "5" can be seen at the upper-right.
At the footer the note's printer is listed as "Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited".
Reverse
The reverse feature 4 Oriental Magpie-Robins, framing the watermark area. Notably this species of Magpie-Robin are widespread, with populations ranging from India to the Southeast Asian archipelago. They can be found in open woodlands, farms, and gardens. The watermark features the Garuda Pancasila, the National Emblem of Indonesia.
Below the illustration is a warning to potential counterfeiters and money launders. Threating offenders with imprisonment. Further below is decorative with similar framing along the note's sides. The lower frame is separated from the sides by ornaments. Above the left ornament is a number "5", on a "stone block" backing. A matching design can be seen at the upper-right.
"Flowers and Birds" Series Gallery
(Gallery will be completed, when more banknotes are databased)
Additional Notes
This notes dimensions are 125 x 65 mm or 4.92 x 2.56 in, smaller than a US Dollar.
The preferable method to preserve this note are large sized protective sleeves.
The Indonesian Rupiah ISO code is IDR, it uses Rp as it's official symbol.
In theory, the Rupiah is subdivided into 100 Sen, inflation has made it obsolete.
Comments