The Second Series of Banknotes
On 1 September 1982, BNM issued two currency denominations, $20 and $500, valid for tender, adding to the denominations of $1, $5, $10, $50, $100 and $1,000 that were already in circulation. Being new banknotes, they had a new design that reflected Malaysian culture. The basic design was inspired by decorations, wood engravings and other traditional Malaysian handicraft, as well as from vegetation found in the country. The tiger’s head watermark of earlier banknotes was replaced with a portrait of His Majesty the first Yang Di-Pertuan Agong. Denominations of $10, $50 and $100 were issued on 15 September 1983, and denominations of $1, $5 and $1,000 were issued on 16 January 1984 to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the founding of BNM on 26 January 1984. Printed on the reverse of these second series banknotes were sketches of buildings and important landmarks in the capital city. Banknotes of this series were smaller than those of the previous series, for ease of handling and storage.
Basic Design for Different Currency Denominations
In January 1986, BNM introduced new designs with additional security features for banknotes. These enhanced security features were incorporated to further deter forgery.
Banknotes of this series were signed by the fourth BNM Governor, Tan Sri Dato’ Jaffar bin Hussein (1985-1994). The additional security features were a more visible security thread, a bigger latent image of the denomination, a bigger transparent mark and the serial number printed vertically in red ink and horizontally in black ink.
From 1 January 1993, the one Ringgit banknote ceased to be produced. Those that were in circulation remained legal tender and were continued along with the one Ringgit coins until they finally exited from circulation.
From 1 May 1994, banknotes for denominations of $5, $10, $50, $100, $500 and $1,000 were signed by the fifth BNM Governor, Tan Sri Dato’ Ahmad Mohd Don. The features and designs of these banknotes are the same as those of previous issues. The $500 and $1,000 banknotes were demonetised effective 1 July 1999.
Click on the banknotes below to view it in greater detail:
