500 Ringgit MYS Banknote (1986–1995 Series) 1995

500 Ringgit Ringgit (Issued 1995)

Representing the apex of Malaysian paper currency production in the final decade of the twentieth century, the 500 Ringgit note from the 1986–1995 series stands as one of the highest-denomination banknotes ever circulated in Malaysia. Issued by Bank Negara Malaysia, it was produced during a period of sustained economic growth when Malaysia was rapidly transforming into one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic emerging economies. The note was officially withdrawn from circulation following the series’ conclusion, rendering it a historical document of Malaysian monetary history. Those holding this withdrawn denomination today may still be able to exchange it through specialist currency services operating in the United Kingdom.

On the front, the note is dominated by a formal portrait of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, the seventh King of Malaysia, positioned to the right-hand side of the composition and framed within an intricate circular surround of traditional Malay ornamental engraving. The portrait is rendered with considerable fine-line engraving detail, capturing the King wearing a traditional Malay ceremonial headdress and formal attire, with the surrounding framework composed of elaborate guilloché-style floral and geometric lacework in muted reddish-brown and cream tones. The issuing authority name “BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA” appears prominently in bold serif typography along the upper portion of the note, while the denomination is expressed centrally in large Jawi-influenced lettering as “LIMA RATUS RINGGIT,” meaning five hundred ringgit in Malay. A secondary denomination mark of “$500” appears in bold numerals at the lower left, with the serial number “ZW1759056” printed in dark ink at the lower right. The word “GABENOR” — the Malay word for Governor — appears below the central area alongside what appears to be a facsimile signature line. A vertical security strip is embedded through the note’s paper. The background field of the front face is composed of delicate guilloché patterning in warm parchment tones of cream, pale gold, and soft reddish-brown, with a large watermark area visible as a lighter panel to the left of centre. The legal tender inscription “WANG KERTAS INI SAH DIPERLAKUKAN DENGAN NILAI” is printed in fine text along the upper portion below the bank name, confirming the note’s face value status. The serial number also appears vertically along the left margin.

The reverse of the note is engraved in rich reddish-brown and burgundy tones and features a detailed architectural rendering of the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, Kuala Lumpur’s iconic Moorish-Gothic government building, which is identified by a caption reading “BANGUNAN SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD” beneath the image. The building’s distinctive copper-domed clock tower, arched colonnades, and ornate façade are depicted with considerable draughtsmanship, conveying the structure’s architectural grandeur. To the upper left of the reverse, a circular vignette contains the image of a sambar deer — a national wildlife emblem associated with Malaysia — surrounded by a decorative border of traditional Malay floral scrollwork. To the far left, a densely engraved panel depicts tropical foliage and what appears to be a hibiscus — Malaysia’s national flower — rendered in fine intaglio engraving against the warm background. The words “BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA” appear along the top of the reverse in bold lettering, with the denomination “$500” displayed prominently in the upper right corner and “500” again in large numerals at the lower left. A decorative border of traditional Malay geometric and floral motifs frames the right-hand edge of the note, while small multicoloured security elements appear along the lower centre, incorporating diamond-shaped patterns in teal and gold. The copyright line “HAKCIPTA BANK NEGARA” is printed in small text at the lower left of the reverse.

Webuyallcurrency.com buys foreign coins and banknotes for cash, including this 500 Ringgit banknote from Malaysia. Send it in with any other Malaysian Ringgit banknotes you have and we will handle the exchange in a single straightforward process.

• Indicate the quantity of 500 Ringgit Ringgit banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

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