Brunei 2026 Polymer Banknotes: Complete Guide to the New Series

Brunei Darussalam is launching its first-ever polymer banknote series in 2026. The Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) announced the new Family Banknotes Series on September 22, 2025, covering five denominations — BND 1, 5, 10, 100, and 500. Polymer banknotes are made from biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, not paper, and last 2.5 to 4 times longer in circulation. The series enters circulation in the first half of 2026.

Key Takeaways

• 5 denominations: BND 1, 5, 10, 100, and 500

• First polymer series in Brunei's 59-year currency history

• Announced: September 22, 2025 by the BDCB

• Circulation: First half of 2026

• Material: BOPP polymer film — 2.5–4x more durable than cotton-paper notes

• Collector window: First-issue uncirculated notes carry the highest premiums

Why This Is a Big Deal for Banknote Collectors

Brunei has issued paper banknotes since the establishment of the Brunei dollar in 1967. The 2026 series is the first complete material overhaul in nearly six decades.

When a country replaces its entire banknote family in a single polymer transition, it creates a defined collector event: a new first-issue series, a legacy paper series heading toward demonetization, and a short window where uncirculated first-day notes are still accessible at face value. Australia's 1988 polymer transition and Canada's 2011 transition both followed this pattern — first-issue sets outperformed individual notes in long-term collector value by 15–30% in the five years following launch.

For collectors of Southeast Asian banknotes, the first half of 2026 is worth acting on early.

What Are Polymer Banknotes?

Polymer banknotes are currency notes printed on biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film rather than the cotton-linen paper used in traditional notes. The substrate is manufactured by companies such as Innovia Security (Australia) and CCL Secure, and is licensed to central banks worldwide.

The key differences versus paper:

As of 2025, over 40 countries issue polymer banknotes, according to polymer banknote industry data compiled by CCL Secure.

The Full 2026 Denomination Family

The new series covers five denominations announced by the BDCB:

• BND 1 — First BND 1 note ever issued on polymer substrate

• BND 5 — Standard daily-circulation note

• BND 10 — Brunei's most widely circulated denomination

• BND 100 — High-value note, strong first-issue collector demand

• BND 500 — Largest denomination; very limited handling in general circulation

The BND 500 stands out. High-denomination polymer notes in true uncirculated condition become scarce quickly after a series enters general circulation. Sourcing directly from a BDCB counter at launch is the highest-provenance acquisition method.

Security Features

While the BDCB has not yet published the full technical specification for the 2026 series, modern polymer notes of this generation typically incorporate the following security features:

• Embedded clear window — formed during BOPP substrate manufacturing, not applied as a separate foil patch

• Intaglio printing — raised ink texture on portraits and denomination numerals, detectable by touch

• Color-shifting ink (OVI) — shifts between two colors when viewed at different angles

• Microprinting — fine text readable only under 10x magnification

• UV-reactive elements — patterns visible only under 365nm ultraviolet light

This section will be updated when the BDCB releases the official 2026 security specification.

The Brunei–Singapore Currency Connection

The Brunei dollar and Singapore dollar have maintained a 1:1 interchangeability since the 1967 Currency Interchangeability Agreement between the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the BDCB. Both currencies are accepted at par in either country.

Singapore switched its full banknote family to polymer in 1999 — 27 years before Brunei. The 2026 transition completes polymer alignment between the two currencies. For collectors tracking both series, this is a meaningful milestone: the Brunei dollar and Singapore dollar now share the same substrate for the first time in the agreement's history.

How to Collect the 2026 Series

1. Source directly from BDCB. Notes obtained from BDCB counters in Bandar Seri Begawan carry the strongest provenance. Retail-exchanged notes accumulate handling wear within days of general release.

2. Identify the first prefix. The opening serial number prefix — commonly "AA" on inaugural series — is the most collected. Watch the official BDCB announcement for the confirmed first prefix.

3. Grade within 30 days. Submit to PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) or PCGS Currency promptly. Polymer notes are highly susceptible to permanent crease and fold damage. Once a crease sets, it is irreversible and reduces the certified grade.

4. Store correctly. Use archival Mylar (polyester) sleeves — never PVC sleeves, which off-gas plasticizers that damage polymer substrate over time. Store flat, away from humidity above 60% RH and direct UV light. Avoid contact with the clear window using bare hands — skin oils leave permanent marks.

5. Track the Portrait Series demonetization date. The BDCB will announce a withdrawal period for the 2004 Portrait paper notes. High-grade Portrait Series examples may appreciate 10–20% in collector value post-demonetization as the circulating supply is destroyed.

What History Tells Us: Polymer Transition Patterns

Three comparable transitions provide a data baseline for Brunei:

Sources: IBNS Journal, PMG Registry population data, PCGS Currency auction records.

Brunei's smaller total circulation volumes — the BDCB serves a population of approximately 460,000 — suggest tighter supply than Australia or Canada. Smaller runs typically compress the timeline to peak collector premiums.

Summary

The Brunei 2026 polymer banknote series marks the end of 59 years of paper currency in Brunei. Five denominations, announced September 22, 2025, entering circulation in the first half of 2026 — and Brunei's first-ever polymer series. Based on comparable transitions in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, the first-issue acquisition window is the highest-value point. Monitor the BDCB official channel for the confirmed launch date, first serial prefix, and security specification release.

This article will be updated when the BDCB releases official imagery and security specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Brunei 2026 polymer banknotes enter circulation?

The BDCB confirmed circulation in the first half of 2026. An exact date has not been officially announced as of March 2026.

What denominations are included in the 2026 series?

Five denominations: BND 1, BND 5, BND 10, BND 100, and BND 500, as announced by the BDCB on September 22, 2025.

Is this Brunei's first polymer banknote series?

Yes. The 2026 family is Brunei's first full polymer currency series. All previous series, including the 2004 Portrait Series, were printed on cotton-linen paper.

Will the old Brunei banknotes remain valid after 2026?

Existing Portrait Series notes remain legal tender until the BDCB announces a formal demonetization period. No withdrawal date has been set as of March 2026.

Can I use Brunei 2026 polymer notes in Singapore?

Yes. The 1967 Currency Interchangeability Agreement between the BDCB and the Monetary Authority of Singapore remains in effect. BND notes are accepted at par in Singapore, and SGD notes in Brunei.

What is a polymer banknote?

A polymer banknote is a currency note printed on biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film rather than cotton-linen paper. Polymer notes last 2.5 to 4 times longer than paper equivalents and include an embedded clear window that cannot be replicated by standard forgery methods.