48. Malaysia 1st Series Sa-Ratus Ringgit 1967 - 1972 First Prefix A/1

Country of Origin: Malaysia
Denomination:100 Ringgit

Prefixes: A/1 869156

Dimension: 158mm x 95 mm

References: K.N Boon B5b

Category: Normal Circulation Note

Sign(s): Tun Ismail Md Ali as Gabenor of Bank Negara Malaysia
Issuance Period: 1967 - 1972

Printer: Thomas de la Rue & Co Ltd, London 
Watermark(s): A head of tiger on the left of the note (obverse)
Vignette/Portrait: Tuanku Abdul Rahman, The First Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia

       

     My last catch for this year. I have been waiting for the right time and the right price to have any of 1st to 4th series of Seratus Ringgit Malaysia to be added to my collection. But I did not put high hope of possessing a Sa-Ratus piece, what more an A/1 prefix one! at least in foreseeable future. But I guess it's my luck then to have chance of keeping this first prefix of the first series Sa-Ratus Ringgit Malaysia at a very reasonable price.

   

    Too sad the note has been washed and got major tear on it. After had successfully bringing her home, I must say that I am still eluded by the beauty of this note. The purplish tone on this note makes me thinking of my mother, which is very fond of that color. Does any of your banknote reminds you of someone? By the way Mom, don't mad at me, I'm buying this note because of you. Good excuse right? hehe

47. Straits Settlements 1 Cent 1926/20 Overdate

Image 1: Obverse of SS 1920

Image 2: Reverse of SS 1920

 

Image 3: Obverse of Normal SS 1926

Image 4: Reverse of Normal SS 1926

Image 5: Obverse of Overdated 1926/1920 SS Coin

Image 6: Reverse of Overdated 1926/1920 SS Coin

Image 7: A normal 1926

Image 8: A overdate 1926/1920

     This is an overdate issue of Straits Settlements coin of year 1926. The overdate of 1926 onto 1920 is simply due to use of earlier coin die in order to save cost of producing new die. The former die (which is 1920 die) is being altered, in this case of number "0" to "6"

   The normal and overdate issue can be differentiated easily by observing the number "6" on the year wordings. The overdate issue have a "cobra-tail like" of number six while the normal one has its tail pointing outwards.

   Recently I just noticed that this variety is being mentioned in Saran Singh book, but without photos.

   Instead of searching 1941i of square coins, why don't you try to find this one? A nice variety to add into your collection.

   For some in-depth discussion of this coin, you can visit this page. Happy collecting! My advise is, find this piece before it is being included in our local catalogue.

46. Malaya JIM 5 Dollars with Prefix MA

 

Country of Origin: Malaya (Now known as Malaysia)

Denomination: 5 Dollars

Dimension: 149mm x 71mm

Reference: ST B6a

Category: Japanese Invasion Money (JIM) Notes

Watermark(s): None

Design & Print: Unknown

Extra Note: -

My blog has come into idle mode for the past weeks. Among the reasons of not worth being mentioned here are like busy with studying (really?), absence of camera and scanner services, and and and, lack of $$ to add new collection. Heheh but now I guess I am back.

Due to unknown reason, it seems that Malaya JIM notes has been my favourite items for my collection. I have heard that they are serious JIM collectors out there who aimed to even, completing their prefixes! My only reference catalogue do not even listed their prefixes, they just categorized their prefixes, in block or letters or maybe color variety. Well I guess I just can afford to stick on collecting major varieties of Malaya's banknotes. That is too expensive for me!, but I like the thrill.

I have not yet meet an uncirculated piece of this note. Where the uncirculated non-numbered JIM notes are easy to obtain, the one with numbers seems quite hard to find in the market.

Now targeting on finding her twin, MB prefix. Okay I can afford prefix variety, just for the numbered one. ;)

45. Terengganu Pitis / Keping Coin 2

photos 1&2 : Obverse and reverse of Coin 1

photos 3 & 4: obverse and reverse of Coin 2

Country of Origin: Terengganu (Now a state, part of Malaysia)

Date: Most probably issued in the late 18th Century and/or early years of 19th century

Denomination: One Keping / One Pitis

Weight: 1.85g

Edge: Plain

Dimension: Diameter of 18mm

Composition: Tin

Population: Unknown

Reference: SS26, P.102

Mint: Unknown

Category: -

Extra Note: On obverse, in Jawi "Malik Al Adil" (The Just Ruler) while having blank reverse. Rarity level indicated by Saran Singh is RR out of RRRR, probably means very rare.

     Getting bored of my tin coin posts? Hehe sorry and most probably next posts I will try open up my banknote albums and post something from there.

   My first examination paper is tomorrow, but why I am writing about coins rather than doing fatigue analysis? Hope you are enjoying this post and happy collecting!

    I have done my first calligraphy work to be displayed in my blog. Not bad isn't?

Figure 1: Extract from Saran Singh book

Figure 2: My Jawi writing of "Malik Al Adil"

   

44. Terengganu Pitis / Keping Coin

Country of Origin: Terengganu (Now a state, part of Malaysia)

Date: Most probably issued in the late 18th Century and/or early years of 19th century

Denomination: One Keping / One Pitis

Weight: Average of 3.30g

Edge: Plain

Dimension: Diameter of 24mm

Composition: Tin

Population: Unknown

Reference: SS28, P.105

Mint: Unknown

Category: -

Extra Note: On obverse, in Jawi "Malik Al Adil" (The Just Ruler) while having blank reverse. Rarity level indicated by Saran Singh is R out of RRRR, probably means rare.

     

      

       These coins were found together with the coin in my previous post. These coins are not to be confused with these coins, although both come from Terengganu.

    

    The first coin is very beautiful with perfect details on it, while the second one is no less interesting where we can see the incomplete tin flow which makes several holes in the coins. Cut marks also can be traced on both of the coins.

     The coins are hard and not bend-able, but the Kali Malik Al Adil coins are bend-able. According to here, the coins made from tin are supposed to be bend-able as they are ductile. I suppose the softness meant here does not reflect the softness where we can deform it with our bare hands. Could it be the softness indicates fake coins? I need more info about this.

     The bend-able set of Terengganu tin coins was obtained from an Indonesian seller, which he claimed that the coins were found in the deep river of Sungai Musi where the latest unbend-able set of Terengganu tin coins was obtained from a local which claimed that he discovered the coins at the river shore of Sungai Terengganu, due to deepening civil work there. I am more positive and confident that the latter are most probably genuine coins. But still, I do hope that both sets are genuine.

    Collecting tin coins are very risky! Counterfeiters out there really give me a headache.

      

43. Terengganu Coin One Cent 1907 ( 1325 A.H )

photo: obverse

photo: reverse

Country of Origin: Terengganu (Now a state, part of Malaysia)

Date: 1907

Denomination: One Cent

Weight: 6.50g

Edge: Milled

Dimension: Diameter of 29mm

Composition: Tin

Population: Unknown

Reference: SS18, P.98

Mint: Unknown

Category: -

Extra Note: On obverse, within a dotted circle in Jawi "Kerajaan Terengganu 1325" ( State of Terengganu 1325 A.H = 1907). The initials in jawi in the border * S * Z * A of (S)ultan (Z)ainal (A)bidin separated by stars. On reverse, the figure "1" within a dotted circle. A wreath of leaves in the border. (extract from SS). Rarity level indicated by SS is RRR out of RRRR, probably means very rare.

    Hello there. This is the newest addition into my collection which I acquired through a local some weeks ago. This coin was discovered from the river shore of Sungai Terengganu. The deepening work for Monsoon Cup to Sungai Terengganu has unearthed this coin to the surface.

     I have a pair of this coin, which the other one is in really  bad condition. Only a very small part of leaves are visible on the reverse part. How can this piece escaped natural corrosion? Perhaps she was entrapped in an isolated place ?

    From reference, it has been noted that counterfeited exists made from lead and tin, and those can be bend easily. I had try the bend test with this one, to my relief it can't be bend! I was afraid a little more force can crack her.

   By the way, I just love you. Ahah XD

42. Straits Settlements Emergency Issues 1919

Country of Origin: Straits Settlements (Now part of Malaysia and Singapore)
Denomination:10 Cents

Prefixes: c/65 82039

Dimension: 109mm x 63 mm

References: K.N Boon B16e

Category: Emergency Issue Notes

Sign(s): AM Pountney as Treasurer
Date: 14th October 1919

Printer: Thomas de la Rue & Co Ltd, London

     The only dragon in our country, heheh. Apparently tiger, cow and of course, barking deer are the top 3 most popular animal to be used in Malaysia currency.

     This note is well decorated with Oriental influence, both in reverse and obverse parts. There are two varieties of this banknotes, first signed by AM Pountney as Acting Treasurer and second signed by him as Treasurer. The former is quite harder to find and commands higher value than the latter.

   Bought this piece for a two-digit price, can I hope the same for the Acting Treasurer signed one? Yes, for Poor condition. T-T

41. Collecting Terminology - KEY DATE

"Coins that are considered scarce due to low mintage or low surviving specimens for that date (and possibly mint mark). Prices are higher on scarce issues, and they are harder to find." coinresource.com

     Quote above is self-explanatory. Key date coins is a must for every collector especially for those who are into coins. It's a real please if you can complete a series with their respective keys. Even our current circulating coins (in your pocket!) has its own key dates.


    I don't know about other collectors, but every coins that fell into my hands were never had a chance to escape my strict checking. What if I stumble upon a 10 cent 1971? Absolutely it will be among the happiest day in my collecting life. 


   Why key date coins worth more than ordinary coins? The most obvious reason is that they are simply limited in number compared to other dates, hence harder to be found. Let say you have a 200 pieces of Malaysia 50 Sen, if you are lucky enough, maybe you will found only one Malaysia 50 Sen dated 1995. Try it if you don't believe me.



    Get excited? Okay this is the list for you to look for in your coins. If you are not a collector, but happen to have these coins, do inform me so that I can publish it (with the photo and your name in it) in my blog. Cheers!




1.  50 Sen Malaysia - 1969, 1995
2. 20 Sen Malaysia - 1970, 1978, 1994
3. 10 Sen Malaysia - 1971, 1994, 2003




footnote: I will update later a proper table for list of key dates coins.


Appendix: photo of some of my recently discovered key date coins.

40. Malay Sultanate Malacca Tin Coin, Sultan Muzaffar Shah Half Pitis 1446 - 1456 AD

image: obverse and reverse of the coin

 

Country of Origin: Malacca (Now a state, part of Malaysia)

Date: 1446 - 1456 AD

Denomination: Half Pitis

Weight: 1.85 - 2.26 grammes

Edge: -

Dimension: Diameter of 15mm

Composition: Tin

Population: Unknown

Reference: SS2

Mint: Malacca

Category: Malay Sultanate Coin

Extra Note: The obverse "Muzaffar Shah Al Sultan", The Supreme Ruler, Muzaffar Shah, and reverse interlaced Arabic inscription "Nasir Dunia Wal Al Din", means Helper of The World and the Religion, i.e Islam.

    This is might be the first official coinage series that was once used in Malaysia. Possessing a piece of coin from Malay Sultanate Era surely gives you a time-travel experience, especially when you hold the coin in your bare hands.

    Unfortunately, there are possibly impossible to acquire a mint condition coin, as the composition of lower denomination coins were made from tin, which is highly reactive to environment. But still, the condition of my coin here is worth for keeping as it is about in the same quality as what they have in museum. 

     Tin coins are easy to be counterfeited, including this Malay Sultanate Era coins. The best way to detect fake coins is to conduct experimental tests on the coins, carbon grading, composition test and so on, but involves a lot of money. Do not go for this unless you are hardcore serious collector. The other way to ensure you will have the genuine coins is by knowing the background of the seller. Make sure you know whether the seller has reputation or not in selling genuine coins. Extra point is given to the seller which is also a collector, because a collector will never claim a fake one to be a genuine one.

cropped document from reference, SS.

39. British Trade Dollar 1902B with Chopmarks

Country of Origin: Mainly circulated in Straits Settlements and Malay States

Date: 1902

Denomination: 1 Dollar

Weight: 26.95g

Edge: Milled

Dimension: Diameter of 39.0mm

Composition: 0.9 Silver

Population: 30,404,499

Reference: ST KN1

Mint: Bombay

Mint Mark(s): Incuse "B", appeared in the middle point of the trident.

Category: Trade Dollars

Extra Note: The obverse shows the standing Britannia with a trident and a shield in front of a sailing ship, a symbol of trade. The case of the value of name in Chinese, Yi Yuan and Malay, Satu Ringgit means One Dollar, in flower ornament. Both sides are bordered by Mäanderband.

     This is a badly circulated British Trade Dollar dated 1902B in my collection. Bought it at a price of only RM40, I really think that was quite a good deal for me. Even the condition of this coin is not so appealing, but at least I am confident that this is a genuine piece. A lot of counterfeited pieces exist in the market for selling, even the prestigious auctions sometimes are vulnerable!

   And beside that, the chopmarks are just too cute. See those markings on the coins? Those chopmarks are small punch marks or counterstamps applied to coin, mainly by Chinese traders through whose hands is passed. The chopmarks serves as indication that the coins are genuine and of full weight and fineness. And most of all, the chopmarks gives historical value to the coin. Should I add my chopmark to this coin?

   Sadly I can't decipher the meaning of the chopmarks nor trace it of its origin. Is there any catalogue listing all the chopmarks found in trade dollars?

   I had asked the dealer to decipher the meaning of the chopmark. He said the chopmark to the left of the right hand of Britannia means "debt". Is it true?

38. Straits Settlements 1935 1 Dollar

    

Country of Origin: Straits Settlements (Now a part of Malaysia and Singapore)

Year: 1935

Denomination: 1 Dollar

Prefixes: K/67 94669 K/32 24483

Dimension: 125mm x 64 mm

References: K.N Boon B20e

Category: Normal Circulation Note

Sign(s): Rex Curral

Vignette/Portrait: King Edward

Watermark(s): a tiger head at the left of obverse

       Again my pair of 1 Dollar from Straits Settlements, both bearing date of 1 January 1935. These notes are not really scarce, especially for poor grades. Issued in 5 different years, namely 1931 to 1935, these notes have 2 different signatures and 5 different dates. A real challenge to complete all the varieties! Especially the other dates except 1935 are really scarce!

   

37. Malaysia 10 sen 1992 Clashed Die Error

Malaysia 10 cent 1992 Minor Error

    Hello again. It seems that error coins has been my favourite subject recently. Why not? Error coins are the most economical and rewarding for my hobby compare to collecting UNC notes or poor-grade rare RRRR notes.  And most of all, finding an error coins is a surprise! You don't know what you are going to find, and you can't expect what types of errors it will be. For sure the pieces are in minor error, but that's okay because I am an avid collector with minor budget. *wink

    Coin above is a current Malaysia 10 cent coin which has a part of congkak printed on the obverse part of the coin. I had tried to search on what type of error is this but to no avail. And plus, there are lot of striations moving inward of the coin on both sides of the coins. Is this due to weak strike?

    Someone please enlighten me what kind of error is this and how this happen? The faintest hint I have is capped die, but me myself not too sure about it. Thanks!

Answer: Clashed die.

A die clash error happens when the coin dies come together in the coining press without a planchet between them. This causes an imprint of each die to be left on the opposing die face. For example, an impression of the obverse die is left on the reverse die, and vice versa. Although the Mint usually makes an effort to clean up these marks, they are sometimes visible on the coins themselves.

a part of congkak?

36. Malaya Japanese Invasion Money ( JIM ) 100 Dollars Rubber Tapper Design

Country of Origin: Malaya (Now known as Malaysia)

Denomination: 100 Dollars

Dimension: 171mm x 81mm

Reference: ST B9a

Category: Japanese Invasion Money (JIM) Notes
Watermark(s): None

Design & Print: Unknown, possibly by The Sounthern Development Bank or Japanese Military

Extra Note: - 

    This is my collection of Malaya JIM note 100 Dollars Rubber-tapper design. This design is a little bit harder to find compare to the usual Village design of 100 dollars Malaya JIM notes. This note is in uncirculated grade with yellow foxing. 

     It is being catalogued that there are two varieties of this note which are the one with whole block letters in red "MA" and whole block letters in black "MA". The latter is valued tenfold of the former by ST. 

    Why there are two designs of 100 dollars? I think this notes were never put into circulation because I am yet to see a circulated one, quite weird for old notes.

35. Enough with money! Now let's us study flower.. err. FLOWER?

    Ops. Sorry again, images of coins. But don't fret, I'm keeping my promise. For this post we shall study about flower. heheh

     Do you know what kind of flower on our current coins? The flower on the coins is Hibiscus rosasinensis, also famously known to the local as Bunga Raya. Bunga Raya was declared as Malaysia's National Flower on 26th JULY 1960 by our first Prime Minister, Tuanku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj. Bunga Raya was chosen from quite a lot of competitors from other flowers such as Bunga Cempaka, Bunga Kenanga, Bunga Mawar, Bunga Teratai, Bunga Tanjung and Bunga Melur because due to its appealing appearance, bright colors and also the commonly 5 petals which also symbolizes The 5 Rukun Negara of Malaysia.

     And recently when I went through my piggy bank to check for Malaysia 1971 10 Sen, I noticed different patterns of flower in this set of 50 cents. Apparently the flower is getting prettier year after year!

of year 2000

of year 2002

of year 2007

See differents on those flowers? I suspect one of the coins is fake, but can't make sure which one it is. Someone who has expertise in flowers help me?

34. The Crying 50 Cent

50, are you crying?

close up, see the tears?

     This is an example of nice specimen of coin of Malaysia. Some people would like to call it "extra metal" because obviously there is extra metal on the coin. But more accurately, this specimen could be better called as "die chip error coin".

    Die chip error happen when the die itself, of which is the negative image of the coin, chipped off from the die, due to rustiness or worn. Then this will lead to creation of void space of the die. Later during the striking phase of the coin, coinage metal flows into the void space creating a small raised lump on the coin. Ting Ting, have you heard of Malaysia 50 Sen Extra Dot? Specimen here have 2 big lumps which can be seen by naked eyes. 

    This phenomenon is a mechanical error, but not a die variety. But still, its a nice specimen to possess of. I'm letting this specimen go for a better love and appreciation to a collector friend. Hope you like your new owner, mate!

    

    I wonder how many pieces of coins were minted from this chipped die. Do you own one of these kinds?