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?

    

33. My Blogspot Sale Page

Hello everybody.

Are you into collecting coins/banknotes or numismatic? or you just started to jump yourself in into this weird world?

Now I think I want to play my part into promoting this hobby to everybody else. Hence, here and now I am launching my own sale page, named after me of course, MNFAJ SALE PAGE. heheh. Above is my sale page's banner/logo/whateveryoucalledit, also designed by me in approximately 30 seconds using Microsoft Paint.

Items on this page are purely not for profits, but only as a means to help you with your collection, that's why most of the items are very cheap and sadly, not in a very good conditions. I am also looking for possible connections with fellow collectors, then later when I rich maybe I can start selling seriously. How about investing RM2million first? hehe jk.

How to access this page? Everytime you log in into this blog, click at the logo, then ttaadda. Currently 14 items are on sale, and more are coming!!

Check it out.!!








footnote: I think I am bad at advertising -_-'

32. New Malaysia TWO RINGGIT.... RM1 OR RM2?

    This is quite confusing. Is this an RM1 note or "TU RINGGIT (two ringgit) / RM2" note of Malaysia? For those who did not get what I meant, try examine bottom right of the first image. It's an error!

31. Mexico 8 Reales 1896

Country of Origin: Mexico
Denomination: 8 Reales
Reference: KM 377.10
Population: 9,327,000
Mint: Mexico City
Category: Trade Dollars
Date: 1896
Composition: 0.9027 Silver
Weight: 27.07g
Edge: Milled

          Well, this is something different from what I usually shared here. This is probably the Mexican coins that was used for trade in Malay Peninsular which later known as Malaysia. The only reference for trade dollars that I have is The Encylopaedia of the Coins of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei 1400 - 1967. In that reference, this coins is being included inside section of "Foreign Coins Used In The Malay Peninsular and Borneo". But unfortunately only 8 Reales of 1891 is included in the book. I am not sure whether this 1896 version is included in the same category.

         Below is the text from the reference by S. Singh;

    Mexico achieved independence from Spain in 1821. Gradually the various mints in Mexico stopped the striking of the 8 Reales silver dollars for Spain.

   Around 1825 the 8 Reales of the Republic of Mexico were introduced into the Malay Peninsular. They gradually replaced the earlier Spanish colonial silver dollars (8 Reales). This was followed by the One Peso silver coins of Mexico.

     By Order of Her Majesty the Queen in Council of 21st October 1890, the Mexican silver dollar (8 Reales, Peso) were declared the standard coin of the Colony of the Straits Settlements. The standard weight of the Mexican dollar was fixed at 417.74 grains or 27.070 grammes with a silver content of millesimal fineness of 902.7 fine. To allow for a small margin of wear, the minimum weight of the Mexican dollar was to be not less than 413.563 grains of 26.799 grammes.

      The 8 Reales and Peso silver coins of Mexico depicting an eagle seated on a cactus plant with its wings outstretched were locally known by various names i.e 'Ringgit Garoda', 'Ringgit Gerdun', 'Ringgit Burong' (bird ringgit or dollar)

     The Mexican 8 Reales and One Peso coins depicting a liberty cap superimposed on resplendant rays of the sun on the obverse and the eagle on the reverse were also known as 'Ringgit Janek'. This obverse design looked similar to the shell of a sea urchin (janek) - Echineis - with long black brittle spines which is commonly found on the shores of Malaysia. 'Ringgit Janek' was an alternate name for 'Ringgit Garoda' or 'Ringgit Burong'. In certain places, these coins were also known as 'Ringgit Matahari' (sun ringgit or dollar)

     By the Straits Settlements (Coinage) Order 1903 dated 25th June 1903, the Mexican silver dollars (8 Reales, Peso) were declared non legal tender in the Straits Settlements and demonetised with effect from 31st August 1904.

      As a proof of authenticity, usually trade dollars will be stamped by traders. This stamp marks are more known as chop marks. A trade dollar with chop marks will have lower grading, but for me they are more valuable, since the chop marks are part of the coins' life and they are genuine too.

     In my images below, at first I thought that my coin has only 2 chop marks, but interestingly to me, there is another one right on the cap. Nice spot to chop.

   You know our Ringgit right? Do you know this Ringgit?

chop marks of the coins

30. Straits Settlements Emergency Issues 10 Cents

1st Note

2nd Note

Country of Origin: Straits Settlements

Denomination: Ten Cents

Prefixes: A/8 58991  A/8 20364

Dimension: 118mm x 74mm

Reference: Pick .6c

Category: Emergency Issue Notes

Date: Unknown / 25/2/1920

Sign(s): Treasurer of Straits Settlements, A.M Pountney

Watermark(s): None

Design & Print: Government Survey Office, Kuala Lumpur, Federated of Malay States

Extra Note: Printed on cardboard paper

        These are my pair of A/8 notes of Straits Settlements, both on poor grades. This issuance is called emergency issue because due to shortage of subsidiary coinage in the latter part of World War 1. These low value notes, signed by Treasurer and Acting Treasurer were issued between 1917 to 1920. Interestingly, the date of issuance was printed on the back of each notes, making this issue has a lot of dates variety, another burden to us collector.

      The front of the note feature the British Royal Arms with the main inscription "The Government of the Straits Settlements Promise to pay the bearer on demand at Singapore Ten Cents Local Currency for value received" below it. The value of Ten Cents was printed in languages of Jawi, Tamil, Chinese and English at the four corners withing the double borders.

      Bearing the Treasurer's sign, and plus poor grades, I acquired these notes for a very cheap price. Obviously the one with Acting Treasurer's sign and better grades requires more $$, and in my case, more more luck.

   I personally like the combination colors of green and yellow in this note. I wish I can possess an uncirculated piece of this note to more appreciate its beauty. A perfect birthday gift for me perhaps?

reference: http://malaysianbanknotes.blogspot.com

29. Malaya 50 Cents 1941

Country of Origin: Malaya (Now a part of Malaysia)Year: 1941

Denomination: 50 Cents

Prefixes: A/27 957979

Dimension: 120mm x 80 mm

References: 

Category: Normal Circulation Notes

Sign(s): Chairman of the Commissioners, H. Weisberg

Vignette/Portrait: King George VI

Design & Print: Thomas de la Rue & CoWatermarks: no watermarksExtra Note: Variety of B10c according to K.N Boon (2008)

       Hi and good morning to all collectors out there. I want to share my own collection of 50 cents note from Malaya.

    Due to some unknown reasons, there are many varieties of this note. The most obvious one is with the jawi letters on the bottom left of the obverse of the note. Only one of the four varieties includes an alif after mim in the lima spelling. Big chance is that the engraver just realised that the spelling was wrong. He or she sure was a meticulous person. Unfortunately my baby here is among the variety which gives lowest value. Now I am on a mission to complete all four varieties.

    I personally adore our old notes rather than the current one (specifically the newest RM50). They are so rich with details and design compare to the current notes. Try clicking on my images above, hardly we can see any large empty spot. Do you like our current notes' design?

28. Straits Settlements East India Company Quarter Cent 1845

Country of Origin: Straits Settlements

Area of Circulation: Straits Settlements and Malay States

Denomination: Quarter Cent / 1/4 Cent

Mintage:34,327,247

Dimension: Diameter of 18.0 mm

Edge: Plain

Composition: Copper

Weight: 2.33g

Reference: 

Category: Normal circulation coin 

Effigy: Queen Victoria

Extra Note: Obverse of the coin had the words "QUEEN VICTORIA" with the effigy of the queen looking to the left. She is wearing jeweled diadem. The reverse showed the value surrounded by the words "EAST INDIA COMPANY" and the date "1845".

27. The Sarawak Government Treasury Emergency Issues 10 Cent 1940

Country of Origin: Sarawak (Now a part of Malaysia) 

Year: 1940

Denomination: 10 Cents

Prefixes: B of A,B,C

Dimension: 120mm x 79 mm

References: K.N Boon B26b, Pick 25b

Category: Emergency Circulation Notes

Sign(s): Treasurer of Sarawak, B.A Trench-man

Vignette/Portrait: Charles Vyner Brooke

Design & Print: The Survey Department of Federated Malay States

Watermarks: Interwoven letters of S, D, and M. stands for Survey Department of Malaya

Extra Note: colors of red, green, sky blue and orange on white paper with the serial number in black. On the front of the note, "THE GOVERNMENT OF / SARAWAK / Promise to Pay the / Bearer on Demand at / Kuching / TEN CENTS / local currency for value received" inside a patterned border. To the right, the bus of the Rajah Charles Vyner Brook facing left and the value in words and figures.

26. FOR SALE - Malaysia 2nd Series Sepuluh Ringgit Replacement Note Z/4

      I am not so into replacement notes but until now I still can't believe that I own this piece of rare replacement note. Due to some catalogues that I referred, this note commands the highest price among all replacement notes, together with Z/1 first series Sa-Puloh Malaysia note.

    Due to those who are more knowledgeable in this hobby, this note is being considered the second rarest of Malaysia Replacement Notes. At least 34,902 pieces of this note was printed, is it the print quantity that makes this note rare?

    Owning a Z/4 is something odd for collector like me who do not have even a single of her other siblings, namely Z/1, Z/2 and Z/3. 

      Thus I decided to let this note go for those who are still searching for this last Z-series to complete their replacement note collection. Anyone interested can contact me by email mnfadzlyaj@yahoo.com or by sms to 013-7141165.

   What grade can I give to this note? I'm thinking of aVF.

   Update. This note is sold already. =)

25. Nederlandsch-Indie 10 & 5 Roepiah and 2 1/2 Sen