Sunday, October 28, 2012

Coronation of Agong XIV Gold Commemorative Proof Coin (2012) had been hammered with a ridiculous poor price at Monetorium Auction, Oct 2012

In recent years, Malaysia modern proof coin is one of the hot collection theme by the coin enthusiasts, it is also the fastest growing in average value at the local market at these 2-3 years . However, in the international arena, it may not be able to truly reflect the local market phenomenon, several international auction results seem dissapointed even hanging far below the market trading price. The result of October Monetorium Auction, Singapore has even make more people popping especially the recent issue limited gold coin, The heads of state of coronation commemorative proof gold coins has been traded  at lower than the issue price. It is really contemptible!


In addition, 50th year anniversary of National Flower commemorative proof gold coins is also lower than the market price of transactions, marked only around RM2050.

Worth mentioning is the 1976 commemorative gold coins of the conservation of animals marked in price about RM 18,000 which is slightly higher than the market expectation.


Sold at SGD 600 + 15-18% auction premium 
= Approx RM1,725 - RM 1,770
Issue Price : RM1800

Sold at SGD 700 + 15-18% auction premium
= Approx RM 2,012 - RM 2,065

Sold at SGD 6300 + 15-18% auction premium
= Approx RM18, 113 - RM 18, 585

Monday, May 28, 2012

Pig Coupon in Malaya 1945?

A rubber relevant coupon , you may hear a lot of , but the coupon of swine you heard?

The 1940s was a troubled era, which experienced the Europe Great Depression and World War II. Malayan economy is almost no exception, and the current economy was fallen into paralysis and coupled with the locust army erosion so that people living in dire poverty. In order to solve the problem of the commodity price collapse, the British colonial government introduced the "coupon policy" and simple justice, is by controlling the supply to solve the price downturn predicament. The most common are dry rubber export coupon, and rubber coagulant unit coupon, rubber plantations share coupon, there are other less common varieties such as petrol coupon which is rare to be found nowaday.
Economic problems, it's impossible to be resolved, with the locust army erosion period. After it, Malayan was into the "small times in three years and eight months" sub era.

Until the locust army defeated followed by the British government resurgence. The economic problems still there. Greatly exceed market demand at that time caused a lot of people switched to engage in the supply of poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs almost and resulted oversupply of the poultry. In order to address the problem, British government introduced poultry coupon which were Pig Coupon, Sheep Coupon and Cattle Coupon. The circulation time of such of coupons was very short, all of three can be said to be extremely rare items to be seem nowadays, among Sheep Coupon (cyan) is the rarest.

As the unofficial information of former farmer stated that any poultry farmers to slaughter pigs, cattle, sheep, must purchase a similar coupon and the coupon issuance was limited at 1945. Such of coupon was more pupolar at Perak State compared other malay states.

Literature in this regard is still no way to find, kindly to assist if you have whatsoever of relevant information.




Tuesday, May 15, 2012

A new price was hammered for two pieces of 70th Century Malaysia Commemorative Proof Coin in 30th Mavin International Auction

Malaysia Series Commemorative Proof Coins has hammered to a new price again at 30th Mavin International, Singapore. Two piece of relatively rare and historical 70th century series proof coins were dealt at price SGD 950 + 18% buyer premium each (approximately RM2900).

Based on the official statement from Bank Negara Malaysia that the mintage volume of both coins are 500 pcs but due to the preservation manner and awareness is less prioritised in that period of time, a lot of them were oxidised or lost in luster again beside a number of them has been disappeared.

A well condition set is really hard to get! Grap it, if you still have a chance to meet them in market!!





Thursday, April 12, 2012

Penang Centenary Token 1886 Queen Victoria




This is not legal coin, but just a commemorative token. It had be issued (by unknown, but it is highly believed that from the behalf of authority) in conjunction of 100 years of British Colonisation in Penang Island at the year 1886. The is one of the rare token in any condition available in market. Do you even have a chance to view it on hand before?  It has witnesed and evidenced the history of British Colonisation in Pinang Island. Although it is not a legal tender, but it's unique historical value and rarity has overiden the current view of note and coin collection parameters.  This token is even not be recorded in any collection reference book currently.  

How well do you know about the Colonisation of British in Penang Island?

In the 16th century, Portuguese traders from Goa, India sailed to the Far East in search of spices. It is said that a small rocky isle on the northern coast of a main island became a landmark for traders to stop and row in by boat to obtain fresh supplies of water from a nearby river. The local Malays called these traders ferringi, an Indian term for Europeans, especially Indian born Portuguese. That rocky isle was then referred to as Batu Ferringi, better known now as "Lover's Isle". The Portuguese called the main island "Pulo Pinaom" or Betel Nut Island. Probably areca nut palm trees were found abundantly then. The palm tree is known as PINANG to the Malays or PENANG to the English.

During the 17th century the turtle-shaped island of Penang situated at the northern entry point to the Straits of Malacca had provided a natural harbour during the monsoon months for Indian, Arabian, Chinese, Dutch, Danish and French ships. Penang island also became a haven for pirates who plundered ships that passed through the Straits of Malacca.

In the 18th century, the spice and opium trade between the East and west had become extremely lucrative. The Dutch dominated the Far East spice trade and the British too needed to establish themselves in the region. Thus, in 1765 Francis Light was instructed by his Company, Jourdain Sullivan and de Souza to establish better trade relations in this part of the world. During this period Penang island belonged to Kedah. In 1771, the Sultan of Kedah offered Captain Francis Light the island of Penang in return for British Protection from the constant threats of the Siamese and Burmese armies. This treaty never materialised as Francis Light's superiors refused to offer any aid.

In 1772 Captain Francis Light left Kedah for Junk Ceylon (Phuket) to set up business with his friend James Scott. By then he was knowledgeable of the peoples' customs and the local language. This helped him to win their trust in him. In 1786, Francis Light acted as middleman in securing Pulau Pinang from the new Sultan Abdullah of Kedah in return for a promise of British protection from his various enemies. It is said that before the agreement was signed, Light sailed in three vessels to the island with a small civilian and naval staff. He landed in that part of Penang now known as the Esplanade on July 17, 1786. On August 11, 1786, Light officially took possession of the island for the Crown and the East India Company. He christianed it "the Prince of Wales Island", and the Union Jack was hoisted over the new stockade. So, in all legal documents, Penang was known as Prince of Wales Island. The settlement in the eastern cape of the island was called Georgetown named after the King of England, George III.

In 1790, when Sultan Abdullah heard that the British would not give protection, he formed an army to get rid of the Dutch and English. He assembled his men at Prai to retake the island of Penang but was defeated. Captain Francis Light had carried out night raids on the enemy's fortress. In 1791, Sultan Abdullah signed a treaty with the British handing over Penang Island to the British. Light promised to pay the Sultan 6,000 Spanish dollars annually. Today, almost two centuries later, the Penang State Government still pays RM 18,800.00 to the Sultan of Kedah annually.

Captain Light's term as the first Superintendent of the Prince of Wales Island came to an end in 1794. He died on October 21, 1794 at the age of 54 probably due to malaria. He was buried at the Protestant cemetery at the end of Northam Road (now known as Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah). He was survived by Martina Rozells, a local Eurasian of Portuguese descent and son, William Light who later founded the city of Adelaide, Australia.

After Francis Light's death, Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Wellesley (Colonel Wellesley the then, future Duke of Wellington) arrived in Penang to coordinate the defences of the island. It was in 1800 that Sir George Leith, then Lieutenant Governor of the Prince of Wales Island secured a strip of land across the channel from the island. He named it Province Wellesley. This gave Penang control over its harbour and food supplies from the mainland. Till this day, the State of Penang comprises two areas – Penang Island and Province Wellesley.

In 1804, Penang was elevated from a Settlement to a Presidency. In 1805, a new Governor, the honourable Philip Dundas took over. His assistant secretary was Thomas Stamford Raffles, the future founder of Singapore in 1819. In 1832, the Straits Settlements was formed comprising the states of Malacca, Singapore and Penang. Penang became its capital but in 1935 Singapore took over Penang as capital of the Straits Settlements.

Source: http://www.tourismpenang.gov.my







Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Another New Auction Record of Malaya British Malaya, Rubber Export Coupons!


There is another new auction record has been accomplished in Mavin International Auction, 6th April 2012 whereas 3 pieces of Malaya British Malaya, Rubber Export Coupons, 10, 25 Katis, 1 Picul, ND (1928-34), (Tan BMR2, BMR3, BMR4), serial nos. D/98 62591, C/62 02193, B/36 44332, chopmarks and writings rev., ageing, AU. (3) were hammered with a price, SGD 2200 + 18% buyer premium

How about your view to such a new record?

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Gold minted Malaysia 1 cent (RM0.01) coin ?

hei, ladies and gentlement,

Please do not doubt for it, that is exactly true!!
It is nothing impossible that the coins in your piggy box, coin box, wallet ....  are actually minted by GOLD!! 


It has been evidenced by Singapore Monetorium Auction today, there is a set of 1988 Malaysia circulation coins which are gold, silver and brass minted for auction. The estimated market price is about SGD 30,000 - 35,000 (exclusive from buyer premium and GST).  It was some recap in my memories that I have seen a silver-minted 1988 20 cents was sold by a famous coin dealer before at Amcrop Mall about 3 years ago, the selling price was about RM250 only at that time.


Sadly to say, I didn't buy it!!!!!   You should have a carpet-searching to your piggy box before it is too late!

MALAYSIA - MODERN ISSUES Off Metal 1988 Gold 1 Sen MS63, Copper & Silver 5 Sen MS62 RB & MS66, Copper, Silver & Gold 10 Sen MS63 RB, MS65 & MS63, Copper, Silver (2) & Gold 20 Sen MS65 RD, MS65, MS66 & MS65 (All NGC Slabbed) Extremely Rare. (10pcs)