This colorful Indonesian banknote represents the 5th 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 an Elephant Foot Yam flower, at its center. A distance relative of the Titan Arum, also known as the Corpse flower. The Elephant Foot has been studied as a potential cash crop. It produces edible fruits and root bulbs, known as corms. Notably the only smells during its short 5 day flowering phase.
Above the note's header reads "Bank Indonesia". Overprint on the flower is the note's (trans.) "Hundred Rupiah" value. While further below the flowers stem separates a pair of signatures. The signatures represent the Bank Governor (Gubernur) and Director (Direktur). At the footer the note's printer is listed as "Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited".
The remainder of the note is covered by an elaborate frame, with multiple guilloche designs. Although despite this there are some notable details. At the lower-left is an elaborate design, with the note's (trans.) "1 January 1959" print date. Below is one of the note's dual serial number (100KAR15757). The second number can be seen near the upper-right, above a watermark area.
This watermark can be seen by backlighting the note. The watermark features the Garuda Pancasila, the National Emblem of Indonesia. This watermark can be seen on all notes of the series. Additionally there are number "100"s at the upper-right, lower-right, and lower-left corners. Representing the note's beforementioned 100 Rupiah value.
Reverse
The reverse features a group of 5 Great Hornbills arranged in a "V" pattern. The Great Hornbill is amongst the largest of the Hornbill family of birds. They are native to portions of India, Southeast Asia, and the neighboring archipelagos. Due to their size and long lives, they have played a major role in local tribal cultures.
Unlike the observe the reverse is less elaborate. There is a pair of frames at the lower-left and lower-right. The left side serves a watermark area and aligns with the observe. While the right side features a large number "100", representing the note's value. An additional, although much smaller number "100" can be seen at the upper-left.
At the lower center is a thin border, it features a micro text counterfeit warning.
"Flowers and Birds" Series Gallery
(Gallery will be completed, when more banknotes are databased)
Additional Notes
This notes dimensions are 157 x 80 mm or 6.18 x 3.15 in, larger 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.