On 25 July 2011, Bank Negara Malaysia Governor (BNM) Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, released Malaysia 3rd series coins. The new coins will only be introduced into Malaysia circulation from early 2012. A special packaging of 500,000 commemorative coin sets are sold to Public for RM10 per set in all BNM branches. The coins were designed by a Malaysian and wholly minted by Bank Negara's mint at Shah Alam. The new 2012 series of coins are legal tender and will co-circulate with the existing series next year. You can still using Malaysia old coins when the new coins start circulating.
On the obverse, each denomination features a different motif, 14 dots representing the 13 states and the Federal Territory and (with exception in the case of the 50 sen coin) five horizontal lines representing the five principles of the 'Rukun Negara' (national pillars). On the reverse, the new series of coins feature the national flower Rosa-sinensis hibiscus (known as the 'Bunga Raya'), numerals indicating the year of minting, the face value of the coin and the words 'BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA'.
50sen-Sulur Kacang
The 'sulur kacang' (pea tendrils) motif featured on the new 50 sen coin is popular among traditional woodcarvers and silversmiths. The motif is drawn from the graceful twists and curls of long bean vines, and can be seen embellishing fine jewellery pieces and boxes, in addition to decorating doorways, window frames and wood paneling in traditional wooden homes. Fine lines in the motif background are part of the security features.
Security Feature:
Latent Image of the denomination 50 sen ("50" & "sen" word) can be seen when the coin is tilted slightly.
Technical Specifications:
Face Value:50 sen
Alloy: Nickel Brass Clad Copper
Diameter (mm): 22.65
Weight (gram): 5.66
20sen-Bunga Melur
The 'bunga melur' or jasmine flower is culturally significant among the three major races in Malaysia. Its aromatic scent makes it an important part of traditional ceremonies like weddings and prayers. It is also a popular motif in traditional arts and crafts like embroidery and silverwork. On the new 20 sen coin, the jasmine flower is featured with a 'destar siga' cloth motif in the background.
Technical Specifications:
Face Value:20 sen
Alloy: Nickel Brass
Diameter (mm): 20.60
Weight (gram): 4.18
10sen-Orang Asli Motif
The 'orang asli' (aboriginal tribes) of Malaysia are talented in weaving indigenous leaves and plants into decorative items such as headbands, sashes and skirts for traditional rituals and ceremonies. Each tribe have their own weave pattern that is often inspired by their belief system and surrounding environment. On the new 10 sen coin, this heritage is represented by the unique weave pattern of the Mah Meri tribe in Peninsular Malaysia.
Technical Specifications:
Face Value:10 sen
Alloy: Stainless Steel
Diameter (mm): 18.80
Weight (gram): 2.98
5 sen-Destar Siga
The 'destar siga' cloth is an indigenous form of fabric weaving that originates from the Kadazan Dusun tribe in Sabah. Used as a headdress during traditional ceremonies, it is woven mainly from yarns of black thread and accented by multi-coloured threads into various geometric patterns and flora and fauna inspired motifs. On the new 5 sen coin, the 'destar siga' pattern is prominently featured, accompanied by the 'sulur kacang' as a background motif.
Technical Specifications:
Face Value:5 sen
Alloy: Stainless Steel
Diameter (mm): 17.78
Weight (gram): 1.72
Malaysia 3rd series coin Proof?
So far, only Box version Malaysia 3rd series coin have been on sale in Mudah.my and Facebook. The actual item are sold to BNM Staff for RM70 a box but many of them selling it for RM200-RM500. I still hope someone from BNM will reply if any proof coins for the new Malaysia duit syiling will be available for us collectors.
Some bloggers just make an issue about Malaysia new 10 sen design (Orang asli craft design), look like Israel Star of David. It is just a baseless accusation but BNM reply on the issue via its Facebook page that the design is just taken from orang asli craft motive and not even look like Star of David.
These coins are also known as:
-Malaysia new coin.
-Malaysia 2012 coin.
-Malaysia 2011 coin.
-Duit baru Malaysia.
-Syiling baru Malaysia.
-Syiling 2012.
-Duit Malaysia siri 3
-Syiling Malaysia siri 3
You can view more pictures in my Facebook Album; Malaysia 3rd series coins.
