BI issues new Rp 500 coin

JAKARTA (JP): The central bank, Bank Indonesia, has issued a new Rp 500 coin to increase the use of coins as legal tender in the country.

The central bank said yesterday the new coin issued Thursday would be an addition to the existing Rp 500 coin issued 1991.

The new Rp 500 denomination coin is made of aluminum bronze, and weighs 5.23 grams. It has a 24 millimeter diameter and a 1.83 millimeter thick rimming.

The new coin has also been issued to distinguish the money from Rp 100 coin, which bears much resemblance to the existing Rp 500 coin. (das)