PMG Certifies Pair of Thai Notes With Serial Number Error

Paper Money Guaranty® (PMG®) has authenticated and graded a pair of Thailand banknotes with a rare duplicate serial number error. The notes have been encapsulated together in a single PMG Custom Holder to showcase the incredible error.

The undated (1996) 50 Baht polymer notes are not only the same type (Pick# 99, according to the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money) but also the same serial number: 9J9898989. The serial number is printed on the front of the note: in Thai script in the top-left quadrant and in Latin script in the bottom-right quadrant. The serial number error is repeated in both scripts.

Two Thailand Undated (1996) 50 Baht Commemoratives, both with serial number 9J9898989, graded PMG 65 Gem Uncirculated EPQ and PMG 66 Gem Uncirculated EPQ. Click the images to enlarge them.

Duplicate serial numbers are very rare because of the extensive quality-control measures used at paper money printing facilities. Recognizing the rarity of these errors, counterfeiters have been known to fabricate pairs of notes that appear to have duplicate serial numbers, but PMG's grading team uses advanced technology and its comprehensive expertise to uncover such attempts. These Thai notes were determined to be genuine after extensive analysis.

Thailand issued these commemorative 50 Baht notes to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bhumibol Adulyadej, the bespectacled monarch who ruled from 1946 until his death in 2016. Formally known as King Rama IX, he was the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history.

PMG will attribute genuine Duplicate Serial Number errors on its certification label. To request such an attribution, submitters should select the World Economy Special or Economy Special tier or higher (depending on the declared value) on the PMG Submission Form and write Duplicate Serial Number.

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