Test Note - Gajah Mada

Series: Indonesia Test Note

Obverse

This image features *security printing specimen* from *Perum Peruri*, Indonesia’s official security printing company. The design prominently showcases *Gajah Mada*, a legendary military leader and prime minister of the Majapahit Empire, known for his oath of unifying the Indonesian archipelago.

# Key Features of the Design:
1. *Portrait of Gajah Mada*:
- A large, intricate engraving-style depiction of Gajah Mada's face dominates the right side.
- The fine-line details emphasize the engraving technique, a common security feature in official documents and currency.

2. *Silhouette Illustration*:
- On the left side, there is a silhouette of Gajah Mada raising a traditional keris (dagger), symbolizing his leadership and historical significance.
- Ornamental patterns surround the silhouette, adding aesthetic complexity and enhancing security.

3. *Golden Emblem*:
- Located on the left side, this section features a golden emblem with what appears to be text and imagery, adding another layer of security.
- The text above the emblem reads *"SUMPAH PALAPA"*, referring to Gajah Mada's famous oath.

4. *Background Details*:
- Complex geometric patterns and radial lines are present throughout the background, adding depth and making counterfeiting difficult.
- The use of multi-colored inks and fine-line printing demonstrates advanced security printing technology.

This specimen highlights Indonesia’s rich historical heritage and showcases *Perum Peruri’s* sophisticated printing techniques used for producing secure documents and currency.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
PERURI
No Value Specimen

SUMPAH PALAPA
Sira Gajah Madapatih amangkubhumi tan ayun amuktia palapa, sira Gajah Mada: "Lamun huwus kalah nusantara isun amukti palapa, lamun kalah ring Gurun, ring Seran, Tanjungpura, ring Haru, ring Pahang, Dompo, ring Bali, Sunda, Palembang, Tumasik, samana isun amukti palapa".

Translation: [Finally] Gajah Mada became prime minister of Mangkubumi, [but] did not want to seize the palapa. Gajah Mada [swore], "If the archipelago has been conquered, [then] I will seize the palapa. If [Gurun, Seram, Tanjungpura, Haru, Pahang, Dompo, Bali, Sunda, Palembang, Tumasik have been conquered, then I will seize the palapa."

Reverse

The design features historical and cultural elements, particularly highlighting the *Majapahit Empire*, one of the most powerful empires in Southeast Asian history.

# Key Features of the Design:

1. *Historical Monument: Gapura Wringinlawang*:
- Dominating the left side is historical monument, inspired by structures from the *Majapahit era*.
- The design contains intricate engravings with repeated patterns of the word *"PERURI"*, serving as both an aesthetic and a security feature.

2. *Serial Number*:
- A distinct serial number, *PP150971*, is printed twice—on the left and bottom right—adding a layer of traceability.

3. *Geometric Security Grid*:
- On the right side is a finely detailed geometric grid pattern resembling an old navigational chart or map of Indonesia.

4. *Silhouette of a Rider*:
- In the bottom-right circle, there’s a silhouette of a figure riding a horse, symbolizing exploration or possibly a historical leader.

5. *Artistic Flourishes*:
- Decorative swirls frame both sides of the monument, enhancing the overall aesthetic and making replication more challenging.

6. *Color and Visual Effects*:
- The background uses a spectrum of pastel hues—green, yellow, orange, and blue—that shift subtly, showcasing advanced security printing technology.

This specimen celebrates the *historical significance of the Majapahit Empire* and Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage while demonstrating Peruri's expertise in secure and intricate printing techniques.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
PERURI
No Value
Specimen
PP150971
Nusantara Archipelago in XIV century
Majapahit Empire

Printer

Comments

See also

• Horse or equine

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Numista Rarity index: 95

This index is based on the data of Numista members collections. It ranges from 0 to 100, 0 meaning a very common coin or banknote and 100 meaning a rare coin or banknote among Numista members.

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