Brunei 1 Dollar Banknote – Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah & Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque (1978 Issue)
Historical setting
Issued during the early reign of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, this note circulated widely from the 1970s through the 1980s. It belongs to the first generation of Brunei’s post‑independence banknotes and showcases the country’s Islamic identity, royal authority, and architectural pride.
Obverse design
The front of the note features a crisp blue‑toned portrait of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in military uniform, symbolising leadership and continuity. Key elements include:
Portrait of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah I at right
Blue on multicolour underprint
Country name in Latin script: Kerajaan Brunei / Government of Brunei
Denomination: Satu Ringgit / One Dollar
Signature of the Sultan himself
The layout is formal and symmetrical, reflecting Bradbury Wilkinson’s classic engraving style.
Reverse design
The reverse highlights one of Brunei’s most iconic landmarks:
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture
Inscriptions in Latin and Jawi scripts
Clean blue‑green palette with detailed architectural engraving
The mosque’s golden dome and Renaissance‑influenced design make it a central symbol of Brunei’s cultural and religious identity.
Key specifications
Feature Details
Country Brunei
Issuer Government of Brunei
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (1967–present)
Type Standard circulation banknote
Years 1972–1988
Year (variety) 1978 (Pick 6a)
Denomination 1 Dollar (1 BND)
Currency Ringgit / Dollar
Composition Paper
Size 120 × 64 mm
Shape Rectangular
Scripts Latin, Jawi
Watermark Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
Printer Bradbury Wilkinson & Co.
References P‑6, TBB 106
Demonetized Yes
Cultural and artistic significance
This note captures several defining elements of Brunei’s identity:
Royal authority through the Sultan’s portrait
Islamic heritage through the mosque imagery
Multilingual tradition via Latin and Jawi scripts
Architectural pride in one of Southeast Asia’s most admired mosques
Its design is both traditional and modern, making it a favourite among collectors of Southeast Asian currency.
Collecting appeal
Collectors value the 1978 Pick 6a for:
Its classic Bradbury Wilkinson engraving
The early portrait of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
The depiction of Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Its role in Brunei’s pre‑modernisation banknote era
It remains one of the most attractive and historically meaningful low‑denomination notes from Brunei’s 20th‑century issues.
