Malaysia Circulation Proof Coin Series,1981(Proof Set of 6)

Type: Malaysia Circulation Coins (Parliment Series)
Condition: Proof in original tablet
Year of issued: 1981
Minted by: Franklin Mint, US
Mintage: Unknown, Rare

This series of coins are not alike to our daily circulation coins, it are proof coins. Proof coinage means special early samples of a coin issue, historically made for checking the dies and for archival purposes, but nowadays often struck specially for coin collectors (numismatists).

Furthermore, Circulation Proof Coin Series, 1981 is rarely be found in numismatic market as Bank Negara Malaysia did not launch it officially at the year 1981. It was believed due to the technical problem of coinage minting which the edge $1 and 50sen coins within the set were not engraved with the term "BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA" so BNM had revoked the issuing. Only certain small quantity be leaked out into market caused by unknown factors.

According to the 5th edition of KNBOON catalogue 2010, the book value is estimated RM800. However it is assummed as highly underestimated relatively to the unknown and rare number of sets available. If you see it, grap it fast while it is still cheap!

Commemorative Coins in Conjunction with the Centennial of the Establishment of St. John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM)

St. John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM), a self-funding not-for-profit organization, being a leader in first aid, home nursing, humanitarian services, ambulance service and first aid training for everyone. With over 60,000 volunteers nationwide with more than 3.6 millions man-hours annually in service for mankind, SJAM volunteers always go extra mile to render the service to those in need, regardless of races, society status, religion and creed.

"100 Years of Service to Mankind" - The Centennial Anniversary theme of St. John Ambulance of Malaysia depicts the moments and proud history of this service organisation in the last 100 years. Since its founding in 1908, members of St. John Ambulance from all races have voluntarily and selflessly contributed their service to the people of Malaysia.

In conjunction of celebration, Bank Negara Malaysia was issuing three types of commemorative coins to mark the centennial of the establishment of St.John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM). The commemorative coins were launched today by YB Dato' Liow Tiong Lai, the Minister of Health at his office in Kuala Lumpur.

Total Mintage: 250 pcs (inclusively proof set of 3)
Face Value: RM100
Condition: Proof
Composition: purity 0.999 of gold
Weight: 7.96g
Date of issued: 28/06/2008

Coin Design

The design description of the commemorative coins to mark the Centennial the establishment of St.John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM) is as follows:

The Obverse Side of the Coin

The obverse of the coin depicts the SJAM's volunteers providing emergency medical assistance to members of the public. The name "St.John Ambulans Malaysia " appears on the upper circumference of the coin, whilst the official motto of SJAM "Perkhidmatan Bagi Manusia" or "Service to Mankind" appears on the lower circumference.

The Reverse Side of the Coin

The reverse depicts the official emblem of SJAM at the centre of the coin. A plant with yellow flowers "St.John's Wort", an herb used for wounds, burns, insect bites and as a treatment for malaria, is depicted encircling the lower half of the emblem. The upper circumference shows the words "Ulang Tahun Ke-100" signifying 100 years of SJAM's existence whilst the words "BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA" as the issuing authority appear on the lower circumference. The denomination is reflected on the lower centre of the coin.

Sources:

• www.webbiz2u.com/06-08/8stjohn.html
• www.sjampenang.org.my/about.htm
• BNM website
  

Commemorative Coins in Conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Bunga Raya as the National Flower

It will be 50 years since the day the "Bunga Raya" or hibiscus was made the national flower of Malaysia. Despite being glorified as the country's national flower, the hibiscus is gradually losing its 'lustre' among Malaysians as compared to the flower's popularity some decades ago. The national flower of Malaysia is found in abundance throughout the country, and for this very reason, the "Bunga Raya" was chosen to be the national flower in 1960 by Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. There are many varieties of the hibiscus, but the five-petalled Hibiscus rosa sinensis was chosen as the most symbolically relevant for the tag of Malaysia's national flower. The five petals of the "Bunga Raya" symbolise the "Rukunegara" (the Five Principles of Nationhood), while the colour red represents courage. The hibiscus became a national heritage after the National Heritage Department made the announcement on it in 2007.

In conjunction with the celebration, Tuanku Mizan launched a special coin issued by Bank Negara Malaysia with the cooperation of the National Heritage Department

Have you even a small pieces of coin but actually bears on RM1oo denomination of face value?

This is the 1st gold proof coin in my collection life and which I succeed to purchase from BNM directly. According to collection news, there were only 14 sets of single gold sets be sold at BNM, Kuala Lumpur, and it is believed that most of gold-sets had been reserved by government as souvenir for foreign VIPs or official occasions. Most of collectors or dealers were lined up at BNM since 4am for it!

Total Mintage: 450 pcs (inclusively proof set of 3)
Face Value: RM100
Condition: Proof
Composition: purity 0.999 of gold
Weight: 7.96g
Date of issued: 01/10/2010

The design description of the 50th Anniversary of the proclamation of the Bunga Raya as the National Flower is as follows:

• The Obverse Side of the Coin
  The centre of the coin features the image of the Bunga Raya as the National Flower with the words "50 Tahun" at the upper circumference. The years "1960 - 2010" appear below the Bunga Raya, and the words "Bunga Raya Bunga Kebangsaan" at the lower circumference of the coin.
  

• The Reverse Side of the Coin
  The centre shows the map of Malaysia, with the Malaysian flag as the background. The upper circumference displays the words "Bank Negara Malaysia" with the denomination below it. "Jabatan Warisan Negara" as organiser of the ceremony for the proclamation anniversary appears on the lower circumference of the coin.

Source:

1. http://www.bt.com.bn/art-culture/2010/06/23/bunga-raya-malaysias-national-flower-turning-50-july-28
2. BNM official website