Bloggers.com - Meet Millions of Bloggers

IBNS-Banknote of 2010-Uganda 50000 shilling

Members of the International Bank Note Society’s (IBNS) had choose Uganda’s 50,000-shilling banknote as a "Banknote of 2010". Thirteen banknote has been nominate on the IBNS web site (www.theIBNS.org) since mid February. On 9th April 2011, Bank of Uganda 50000 Shilling was announced as the winner. Printed by British security printers De La Rue, the note was designed in co-operation with the Bank of Uganda. The banknote is the highest denomination in a series of six notes introduced in May 2010.


Some of the winning elements of the notes include the watermark of the head of a crested crane, an outline of a map of Uganda (highlighting the equator), the profile of man wearing Karimojong head dress, patterns based on indigenous basket work and, at the far right on the back, the Independence Monument. Erected to celebrate Ugandan independence in October 1962, the statue is of a woman wrapped in bonds lifting a child above her head, celebrating the birth of the nation.

On the front of the award-winning note the ‘Stride Monument’ is at the left, the Bwindi tropical rain forest is illustrated at the centre left, a foil strip with the denomination and images of shields at centre right and an area for the watermark at the far right. The Stride Monument was erected to celebrate the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Kampala in 2007. Depicting a husband, wife and son stepping forward, the monument symbolizes the countries of the Commonwealth progressing as a family. The reverse of the note is dominated by illustrations of silver back mountain gorillas.

Source: IBNS.org


2 comments

10 tips for new coin collector

Many readers who are newbies in coin collecting always email me asking for question that I already answered in these blog. In this post, I compiled my blog 10 Tips for new coin collector. All of them are old posts that most readers asked me and what newbies should learn before start to collect their coins. Coin collecting is a rewarding hobbies if you know how to take care your coins. But please don't clean/wash your coin since that will downgrade its grading & value. the toning on that coins are true gems to collector like me.




If you really want to start collecting, a book is a must. The best book for Malaysia coin collecting is by Steven Tan. The price is just around RM70 a piece. You can find all the market value price for Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei, Banknotes and Coins. Studying the price will help you in your coin hunting. If you just start, I suggest you look for Malaysia coins era (Straits Settlements, Malaya, British Borneo, Parliament series etc) that suits your budget. It will take time to complete your collection if you have a tight budget. Read More.



I have many request from newbies in this hobbies for a grading pictures that can help them understand a little bit about coin grading. Many newbies do not know what UNC, EF or VF mean. Its actually a coin grading terms. Coin grading involved evaluation of coin surface, lustre and coin details. You can try compare this grading pictures with your own coin, to understand what is your coin condition. Other collector maybe have different opinion on grading. Read More.



Many of my readers don't want to buy coins catalogue books because they just want to know the price on some of their collections. Most of them are not collectors but they have some old coins in their possession. You can find "nilai duit lama Malaysia" or Malaysia coins value in this post but the best ways are always buying a new coins catalog book. Read More.



If you want to buy cheap coins for your collection, here is a tips from me on where can you find coin in Malaysia. Buying them with coin dealers will mostly make you pay according to the market price. To get a lower price, you need to look at other options/places other then coin delaers shop. Just make sure you know their market value before you do your coin hunting. Read More.



Many readers always asking me the same question; How to sell coins? Where to sell my coins? Do you know what is the best way to sell my coins?Here is my tips on how to sell your coins. Read More.



You need coin dealers for coin, paper money, banknote, accessories (album, Tweezers, Magnifiers, Microscopes, holder, capsules, cutter, watermark detectors, uv test lamp etc). Some of them also deals with Stamps, Postal History, Documents, Phone cards, Posters, Ang Pow, China antique ware, Antique & Various Collectibles. Here is a list of Malaysia coin dealers complete with their address, telephone numbers, emails, who to contacts etc. Read More.



Where to sell your gold coins? Not everyone knew where can you sell your precious metal. Here are some tips from me on where can you sell your gold coins in Malaysia. Read More.



Here is some tools that I has been posted in this blog that might come handy to any new coin and banknote collector. This tools come from various source but mostly come from books that I read. This is a good tools to help you understand more on the hobby. Read More.



If you want free stuff for your collecting, you can always look at the Free label on the top of my blog. You can find some free ebook available for download. If you are looking for Steven Tan ebook catalog, I don't think it will ever exist yet. Read More.



I always advice my readers to look and search first in this blog Table of Content before emailing me since I had wrote almost everything that you need. So far, this blog have over 500 article and almost half of it are about Malaysia. Read More.


3 comments

Hong Kong 100 dollars notes error

Last week, Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the three note-issuing banks (Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited) released The design of the remaining three denominations, HK$100, HK$50 and HK$20, from the issue of the 2010 new series Hong Kong banknotes. But the new Hong Kong 100 dollars notes come with an error. The notes reverse which depicting the city emblem (petals of the Bauhinia flower), pointing in the wrong direction.


HSBC Hong Kong on Monday apologised for the printing error. a spokeswoman at HSBC Hong Kong told AFP, they sincerely apologises for the embarrassment caused to all parties concerned" but emphasised none of the bank notes have been circulated. The bank would fix the problem as soon as possible but did not say how many flawed notes had been printed or the cost involved in redesigning and reprinting the notes.

The bank and the city's government had failed to detect the flaw before unveiling the new designs last Friday, but the mistake was highlighted in local media over the weekend. In a statement issued late Sunday, the government also apologised for the error and said HSBC had started redesigning and reprinting new HK$100 banknotes, with a plan of putting them into circulation early next year. HSBC will pay to fix the problem, the government said.

Check on HKMA official website today, the reverse design picture has been deleted from the website with a note "design will be revised". That will be an error for the bank but a collector dreams. The Hong Kong 100 dollars notes error will be coming out soon in eBay, just wait and see.

Source: HKMA, AFP.


0 comments

Third Series of Malaysian Coins Video

Bank Negara Malaysia is issuing commemorative coins to mark the new 3rd Series of the Malaysian coins which will be available for circulation early next year. Yesterday, Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, launch the commemorative coins for Malaysia 3rd series coins. For the first time, BNM upload a video in Youtube for Third Series of Malaysian Coins Video. The video is very short, 1:15 minutes but all coin collectors are hoping BNM will upload more videos. Especially a video on how they minted Malaysia New Coin in BNM Mint.

Picture by The Star: Dr. Zeti holding Malaysia new coin 2012.




Yesterday, BNM Governor, Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, released Malaysia 2012 new coins design. 500,000 sets of the new coins will be available as a commemorative coins (Brilliant Uncirculated) with special packaging and to be sold to the public at RM 10.00 per set in all BNM branches. The coins were designed by a Malaysian and wholly minted by Bank Negara's mint in Malaysia. The theme, 'Distinctively Malaysia', features motifs from traditional crafts and our flora and fauna. The coins reflect the diversity and richness of Malaysia's national identity.

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'.

Source: BNM

You can read the details of the coins at; Malaysia new coins 2012 details.

1 comments

Malaysia 2012 coins design

Today, Bank Negara Malaysia Governor (BNM) Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, released Malaysia 2012 coins design. The new coins will be introduced from early next year. 500,000 sets of the new coins will be available as a commemorative coins (Brilliant Uncirculated) with special packaging and to be sold starting Tuesday to the public at RM 10.00 per set in all BNM branches. The coins were designed by a Malaysian and wholly minted by Bank Negara's mint in Malaysia. A new series of banknotes will also be issued in September.

Picture by The Star: Malaysia new coin design and old coin design.

The designs of the third series of Malaysian coins draw its inspiration from distinctive elements that define Malaysian culture and heritage. The theme, 'Distinctively Malaysia', features motifs from traditional crafts and our flora and fauna. The coins reflect the diversity and richness of Malaysia's national identity.

Common Features

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 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 SpecificationsFace Value:5 sen
Alloy: Stainless Steel
Diameter (mm): 17.78
Weight (gram): 1.72

The new series of coins are legal tender and will co-circulate with the existing series. The existing series will be gradually phased out. Bank Negara Malaysia is working closely with financial institutions, businesses and cash handling vendors to ensure a smooth transition to the new series. Vendors of cash handling machines will be given six months to calibrate their machines to ensure convenience for the use of the new coins.

Source: BNM

You can view Malaysia new coins video at; third series of Malaysian coins video


4 comments

Hong Kong 100, 50, 20 dollars notes

Hong Kong 100, 50, 20 dollars notes has been unveiled by Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the three note-issuing banks (Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited). The $100, $50 and $20 notes incorporate the same state-of-the-art security features as the new $1,000 and $500 notes which are already in circulation, and help the visually impaired differentiate between the denominations.


Monetary Authority Chief Executive Norman Chan said the new notes will be phased in from November, after which the entire Hong Kong 2010 series will be in circulation.

“The new $1,000 and $500 banknotes, which have been in circulation since December and February, have received a very positive response from the public. I am confident the new $100, $50 and $20 banknotes will be equally well received.”




They were designed by the respective note-issuing banks (Standard Chartered Bank, Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, and Bank of China) and approved by the Financial Secretary. They are printed by Hong Kong Note Printing. All existing banknotes continue to be legal tender. They will circulate along with the new banknotes and be gradually withdrawn from circulation when they become physically unfit for circulation.

New Hong Kong dollars security features:

1. Dynamic Colour-changing Pattern

When the note is tilted, two visual effects appear: the colour of the pattern shifts between green and gold, while at the same time a shimmering horizontal bar is seen to be rolling up and down.




2. Colour-changing Windowed Metallic Thread

When the note is tilted, the thread shifts in colour between magenta and green. When examining it closely, microtext to build the large alphabets 「H」 and 「K」 can be seen.




3. Concealed Denomination

Visible when the note is tilted.






4. Iridescent Pattern

Shimmering when the note is tilted under a bright light.






5. Enhanced Watermark

The watermarks of the three note-issuing banks are standardized. Multi-tonal watermark of a bauhinia flower, highlight watermark of the denomination numeral and dot pattern can be seen when the note is held up to the light.



6. Fluorescent See-through Pattern

The patterns on the front and back fit perfectly when the note is held up to the light. When the note is put under ultraviolet light, two fluorescent colours appear.


7. Serial Numbers

Two sets of serial numbers with progressively larger digits in adjacent positions. One set horizontally at the bottom-left corner, and another set vertically on the right side of the note, which is fluorescent red under ultraviolet light.


8. Embossed Feel

Raised printing giving the note a strong embossed feel by touch.





Source: HKMA, news.gov.hk


0 comments

Double eagles case-govt can seized coins

Yesterday, jury concluded on the 1933 double eagles case-govt can seized coins. A news by The Associated Press reported that jury has decided the U.S Treasury rightfully seized a set of rare 1933 gold coins from a Philadelphia family. The Langbord families are expected to appeal against the decision. The trial judge, Legrome Davis, will next rule on “ownership” of the coins later this year. The coins are estimated to be worth $75 millions dollar base on 1933 double eagles past auction.


In the case, the government argues that the safety box was not rented until six years after Switt died in 1990. Government lawyers say that 10 other "double eagles" that surfaced in the 20th century can all be traced to Switt. Prosecutors believe Switt and a corrupt cashier at the Mint had a hand in the breach. The Langbords had opened their deposit box the day before the London dealer's Farouk coin was seized in 1996, Romero said. The family later offered a similar 50-50 split with the U.S. to settle the case, but the government rejected it on grounds the family cannot legitimize their ownership of the coins, given Switt's history.

Lawyers for Langbord and her two sons Roy and David, argue in court documents that having a theory as to how the coins left the mint isn't enough. The government must prove the coins were stolen. They argue that in the 1930s, it was common and even permissible for employees of the mint to replace old coins with new ones of equal value.

Source: Associated Press

1 comments

Fake euro banknote report 2011

Yesterday, European Central Bank release their Biannual information on euro banknote counterfeiting. In the report, only 295,553 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation for first half of 2011. It is a 18.8% decrease on the quantity recovered in the previous six months. The majority (98%) of counterfeits recovered in the first half of 2011 were found in euro area countries, with only around 1.5% being found in EU Member States outside the euro area and 0.5% being found in other parts of the world.


The €20 and €50 denominations continue to be the most counterfeited. During the past six months, the share of counterfeit €20 banknotes increased and the share of €50 banknotes decreased. The two most counterfeited denominations together accounted for 79.0% of the total during the first half of 2011. The €100 banknote is the third most counterfeited denomination, accounting for 16.0% of the total. The share of the other denominations (€5, €10, €200 and €500) is very low.

The European Central Bank (ECB) and the 17 national central banks of the euro area advise the public to remain alert with regard to the banknotes received in cash transactions. Genuine banknotes can be easily recognised using the simple “FEEL-LOOK-TILT” test described on the euro pages of the ECB’s website and the websites of the Eurosystem national central banks. In case of doubt, however, a suspect banknote should be compared directly with one that is known to be genuine. Anyone who suspects that they may have received a counterfeit should contact either the police or (where national practice allows) the relevant national central bank.

Source: European Central Bank (ECB)

Lat year, ECB report an increase of fake euro notes and decrease on fake coins. By the way, when was the last time Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) ever release their own counterfeit banknote and coin report?

2 comments

Beware of online counterfeiters

Do you remember my post, Malaysia 1972 10 sen coin? Until today, many readers who read them sms me and think that I had them for sale. Even though I already told in that post that the coin in the pictures are altered using photo software. Look like many Malaysian are easily get cheated by conman because they don't search for information and don't know how to buy thing online. I post that article because I want to educate my readers that such coins not exist. Please beware of online counterfeiters, they do exist anywhere in the world.


With so many people looking for Sa-Puloh Ringgit Watermark Agong, I also had seen an increase amount of these kind of notes on Internet, especially in mudah.my. For your information, all those notes are counterfeit, just to satisfy a demand by Malaysian who are looking a high profits from the notes sales. Some of the buyers who sms me told that a Bomoh/Pawang/Shaman asked them to look for the notes for money making opportunity. Online counterfeiters will make these banknotes for you and sell them at higher price.

For me, this are just money making opportunity for online counterfeiters. Some just altered the notes and coins using software without even having the actually coin or notes. When you already bank-in the payment, they will never reply your email or sms. Even if you report them to Police, they will most probably go away since the name used to bank-in owned by third party who never meet them before. To all my readers, stop looking for something that don't exist. Its better for you to learn making money online without sacrificing a single cents from your pocket.

PS: You can read Malaysia coins list in my old post about "nilai duit lama Malaysia" (Malaysia old coin value). If there is no price on the list, thats mean that coins are not minted for that year. If you want the latest price, you can but coins catalog by Steven Tan or KN Boon.

I also had been missing an auction of a very nice Brunei 1 cent 1887 coin in MNS auction recently. If I had at least read Dickson Niew blog before the auction started, I most probably have the opportunity to delete them in my wish list.


1 comments

Making money online blogging

They're many making money online blogging opportunity if you know how to look and where to look them. I had been busy doing my online work for the past few months until I had been rarely going out seeing my friends and doing my coin hunting. The more I look for money making opportunity, more thing I had learn. I don't want to talk about that in here. What I want to say are just sorry to all my friends because cannot meet them offline.


How to making money online in Malaysia?

1. Blog ads
As you can see in this blog, I had put adsense ads in my blog. Adsense is free to join and for me, it is the best ads publisher in this world. If you have a visitor that come mostly from Malaysia, I suggest you use nuffnang, Asia Pacific leading ads company. But make sure your blog have a steady visitors that come from search engine first. I had seen many banknote & coin bloggers put too many ads in their blog, hoping that their blog will generate income. Do remember, blog income come from your blog traffic. You cannot click your own ads to earn income, its violate their Term of Service.

2. Paid post
You can also make paid post with your blog and earn income from it but just make sure, the post you're making is the same or related to your niche and don't do it regularly. Google might detect your blog as selling link to another 3rd party and your Pagerank might be withdrawn because of that. You can attract your paid post advertiser by making a page about advertisement in your blog. They're also an ads company who find a paid posts for your blog, just try to Google them.

3. Facebook Pages
You can also make Facebook pages that related with your blog and earn income from them. You can share notes, pictures and videos, in your pages and insert a link in them to. The link that you had given might go to an ads link. Again, this tips only work if your Facebook pages already had over 5 thousands likes.

I am writing this post because I had seen many blogger in banknote blogs list put up an ads on their blog and making their blog very slow to upload. Readers might be running away because they cannot wait for your blog to load. Please try to remove some of the ads to make your blog load faster. You don't want to make your readers go away, because that is where the money come from.


1 comments

Royal Canadian Mint Wildlife Photography Contest

Royal Canadian Mint partnering with Canadian Geographic, inviting all Canadians to participate in their fourth annual Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year contest. Photo that will win the contest will have a chance to be featured on a superbly-crafted collector coin, issued by the Royal Canadian Mint in 2012. You have until 2nd September 2011 to submit and join Royal Canadian Mint Wildlife Photography Contest.


Canadians can submit a maximum of ten photographs of Canadian wildlife in any of the five contest categories: Amphibians, Reptiles and Insects; Birds; Mammals; People and Pets; and Junior Photographer (ages 15 and under). In addition to featuring the grand prize winner's entry on a collector coin, the Mint will also award prizes to the contest's five category winners, 10 runner-ups and 15 honourable mentions.

“The Royal Canadian Mint is always proud to showcase wildlife through the work of talented Canadians on coins whose designs and craftsmanship captivate collectors, in Canada and around the world,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Canadian Geographic in a unique contest which brings together thousands of photographers from across Canada to celebrate the wealth and variety of our wildlife heritage.”

“Photography is one of the cornerstones of Canadian Geographic and we are thoroughly delighted to partner with the Royal Canadian Mint on the 4th annual Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year contest,” said André Préfontaine, President and Publisher of Canadian Geographic.

“Our partnership with the Royal Canadian Mint enriches the contest and featuring the grand prize winning photograph on a collector coin offers an unparalleled opportunity for Canadian photographers,“ André said.

The grand prize winner and five category winners will see their entries published in the December 2011 issue of Canadian Geographic. Additionally, the amazing work of the category winners will be showcased in a wildlife photography exhibit which will make its debut at Ottawa's Canadian Museum of Nature in 2012.

To find out more about this year's contest, submit entries or admire the work of past winners and runners-up, the public is invited to visit www.canadiangeographic.ca/wildlifephotography.

For more information, please contact:
Alex Reeves
Senior Manager, Communications
Royal Canadian Mint
Tel: (613) 949?5777
reeves@mint.ca

André Préfontaine
President and Publisher
Canadian Geographic Enterprises
Tel: (613) 745-4629, ext.135
prefontaine@canadiangeographic.ca

Source: Royal Canadian Mint

0 comments

The Most Famous Ancient Coin

The Most Famous Ancient Coin in History, The "Ides of March", Silver Denarius minted by Julius Caesar assassin Marcus Brutus will be auctioned by Heritage auction on 9 September 2011. The coin pre-auction estimate is $500,000+ and if it reach that, it will establish a record price for a Roman silver coin. The coin has been in collection of many famous people including Hollywood producer Sy Weintraub and the actor Peter Weller. It was also in the world-famous Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection. Since the early part of the 2000s, the coin has been part of a private Arizona holding.


The dime-sized silver coin depicts the head of Marcus Junius Brutus, one of the ringleaders of the assassination plot, on its obverse. The reverse depicts a dome-shaped liberty cap (traditionally given to freed slaves), flanked by two drawn daggers and the Latin inscription EID MAR “Ides of March”. The dome-shaped liberty cap and two drawn daggers indicates Brutus' intention of freeing Rome from Caesar's imperial ambitions and the murder weapons employed to do so. The coin celebrated an assassination of Julius Caesar on the 15 March 44 BC.

Marcus Junius Brutus were born about 85 BC. Brutus was from a long line of Romans famous for resisting tyranny and defending Republican liberty. He was a close friend and protégé of Julius Caesar, but when Caesar seized power as Dictator in 49 BC, Brutus joined the Republican forces opposed to him. After the defeat of the Republicans the following year, Caesar pardoned Brutus and gave him every preferment. As Caesar became more megalomaniacal, however, Brutus joined the conspiracy against him and is said to have delivered the fatal dagger thrust, prompting Caesar’s final words (spoken in Greek), “You too, my child?”

Brutus had carried out the attack with some fellow Roman Senators in 44 BC when Caesar had come unarmed to address the Senate on 15 March. This day was known to the Romans as the ides, or the middle day of the month and was recognised on a new calendar system that Caesar himself had established just two years before.

After the murder, the conspirators or “freedom party” fled Rome to Macedonia to raise an army. Brutus assembled a pro-Republican power base in Macedonia (Greece) where he could wage war against Caesar’s successors, Mark Antony and Octavian. Looting gold and silver from the local population, he began to strike coins to pay his growing army. Amongst the coins the conspirators briefly struck to this end was this, the 'Ides of March' denarius.

In a final twist of fate, Brutus used the same dagger he had plunged into Caesar to take his own life following his final defeat at the second battle of Philippi on 23 October 42 BC. The Eid Mar denarii became rare because the type was deliberately recalled and melted down by the victors, Mark Antony and Octavian.

Source: Heritage Auction, British Museum.

2 comments

Iran Banknote Survey

Associated Press reported that Iran’s central bank is asking citizens their opinions on new names for the country’s currency in Iran Banknote Survey. The report also said that visitor to the bank’s website can choose from several names, including rial (the current name), toman, parsi and derik. But when I browse Iran central bank website today, I cannot find any of the said survey.


June last year, The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) release Iranian biggest denomination banknote 100,000 rials. The value of the notes currently is only equivalent to around 9 dollars.

In the online survey, the bank also asks respondents how many zeros should be removed from the currency. The government has proposed lopping off four zeros. The poll results will be taken into consideration when the government draws up a draft on changes to the currency. The proposal will be submitted to parliament. Iran’s government has approved removing zeros from the currency, apparently as a result of inflation, which is officially about 14 percent.

Source: Associated Press.

You can view Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran website and look if you can find a survey. Maybe the survey already ended or Iran never make that survey?


0 comments

The most perfect counterfeit banknote

A rare set of fake banknotes by Hitler will be auctioned by Mullock's auctioneers at Ludlow Racecourse, Shropshire on August 18. The fake pound notes printed in "Operation Bernhard" intend to ruin British economy during world war 2. A set of four bank notes (£5, £10, £20 and £50 notes) recovered from Lake Toplitz in Austria will be auctioned next month and are expected to fetch £2,000 at the auction. The forgery by Hitler is the most perfect counterfeit banknote in history.


In 1942, Hitler produced £134million of counterfeit notes in "Operation Bernhard". Nazi spies had been ordered to smuggle the cash into Britain and flood the economy with the fake money. But Hitler's plan was foiled when British spies got wind of the idea and intercepted the shipment of the notes. The Bank of England first learned of a plot from a spy as early as 1939. It first came across the actual notes in 1943, and declared them "the most dangerous ever seen."

The initial plan was to destabilize the British economy by dropping the notes from aircraft, but Hermann Goering's Luftwaffe declared it did not have enough planes to deliver the forgeries, and the assets were put in the hands of SS foreign intelligence. Many were transferred from SS headquarters to a former hotel near Meran in South Tyrol, Northern Italy, from where they were laundered and used to pay for strategic imports and German secret agents operating in the Allied countries.

The Nazis forced Jewish prisoners, experts in engraving and printing, held at the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp to produce the notes. By the time Sachsenhausen was evacuated in April 1945 the printing press had produced 8,965,080 banknotes with a total value of £134,610,810. At the war's end the mint notes still in Germany were dumped in Lake Toplitz together with the printing plates made to produce them after 'Operation Bernhard' was abandoned with just a handful of notes having made it into British circulation. The notes are considered among the most perfect counterfeits ever produced, being almost impossible to distinguish from the real currency.

In 1959, German magazine, Stern, finance a diving team to retrieved the forged sterling currency Operation Bernhard hidden in boxes, and a printing press. They were taken out of the lake by divers but have amazingly stayed in great condition.



2 comments

Poslaju increase fuel surcharges by 15%

Today, Poslaju increase fuel surcharges by 15%. Most Association of Malaysian Express Carriers (AMEC) members already increasing their fuel surcharges since 1 July 2011. Poslaju announce in their website, the increase is in line with the increase in petrol prices, transportation costs as well as the agreement made by the Association of Malaysian Express Carriers (AMEC) to allow for its members to increase the existing fuel surcharge rate to 15% and 10% handling surcharges. Any of you, online seller increase your poslaju charges too? I am still giving free poslaju for most of my item so far but I think I will be increasing my poslaju charges for next month.


Poslaju notice in their website:

Dear valued customers of PosLaju,

Kindly be informed that effective 15 July 2011, PosLaju fuel surcharge rate will be increased further from 10% to 15%.

The above increase is in line with the increase in petrol prices, transportation costs as well as the agreement made by the Association of Malaysian Express Carriers (AMEC) to allow for its members to increase the existing fuel surcharge rate to 15% and 10% handling surcharges remain unchanged effective 1 June 2011.

The increase in the fuel surcharge is crucial for PosLaju to continue to maintain its services to its customers. Although courier industry has begun charging this new rate effective 1 June 2011, PosLaju has taken prudent steps to implement this new rate on 15 July 2011 for benefit of PosLaju customers.

Thank you.

Source: pos.com.my

The increase only add 20 cents for 500gm package. I still can cover the cost. But my own petrol cost to Poslaju had been increasing RM4 per one travel from my office to Poslaju. But still cheaper then RM5 charges per pickup by Poslaju. Wish the price will not increase anymore.

1 comments

Singapore 46 Years of Independence coins

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Launches the Singapore 46 Years of Independence Coins on 13 July 2011. The coin design draws inspiration from the 2011 National Day Parade (NDP) theme, ‘Majulah! The Singapore Spirit’. The official NDP 2011 logo is at the upper centre of the coin, while a mosaic formation of Singapore’s coastline by performers holding coloured cards on the floating platform occupies the bottom half of the coin. “The Singapore Spirit” tagline for the 2011 NDP theme runs across the mosaic formation. The diversity of people celebrating is depicted through human silhouettes at the centre of the coin. The newly opened Helix Bridge and the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre are also incorporated in the design to portray the NDP venue surroundings.




$5 Silver Proof Coin
The Silver Proof coin comes in a unique octagonal shape, the first of its kind in Singapore. The obverse of the coin bears the Singapore Arms with the year-date 2011. 31.10 grams of 999 fine silver with full colour application. Coin across corner size of 40.70mm. Mintage of 5,000 pieces.


$2 Cupro-Nickel Proof-Like Coin
Proof-like condition with selective colour application. Coin diameter of 38.70mm. Mintage of 6,000 pieces.


2-in-1 Coin Set
The premium set with a limited mintage of 2011 sets comprises a $5 Silver Proof Coin and a $2 Cupro-Nickel Proof-Like Coin. The coins in this set form part of the mintage for the individual coins.

The coins will be issued on Wednesday, 27 July 2011. The coins will be sold by The Singapore Mint. For enquiries and coin orders, the public can contact The Singapore Mint at 6566 2626 / 6222 2486 / 6238 9890 / 6895 0288 / 6895 0358, or www.singaporemint.com. Last year Singapore 45 Years of Independence coins come with innovative rectangular shape



3 comments

Royal Canadian Mint break-in

On 4th July, The Royal Canadian Mint in their website confirms that there was a break-in at its Vancouver boutique on Granville Street in the early morning of July 3, 2011. A limited quantity of merchandise was stolen during this incident. No official list of stolen item had been released by the Royal Canadian Mint. The Vancouver Police Department continues to investigate this matter.


On 3rd July at around 2.30am, a thief smashed through an interior wall of the Royal Canadian Mint store of the Granville street. They stole items on the display cases that worth thousands of dollars. Other than commemorative coins, the store also sells timepieces, medallions and jewelry. Police so far said they have no suspect but will investigate the surveillance video near that area.

Investigating officers from the Property Crime Unit ask that anyone with information call them at 604-717-3200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Source: Royal Canadian Mint, Vancouver Sun, CBCNews.


1 comments

Battle for 1933 double eagles

Many of you most probably still remember the 1933 Double Eagles, the most expensive coin before The Neil/Carter/Contrusi 1794 flowing hair dollar. A court battle between the heirs to a renowned Philadelphia jeweler, Israel Switt and the US government had been going on for the ownership of 10 rare gold coins from 1933 worth an estimated $75 million. Government says that its were stolen because the coins never authorized for circulation.


According to AFP, the trial before US District Judge Legrome Davis began last Thursday, and is expected to last two weeks. The descendants of Israel Switt say, the government cannot prove the coins were stolen and nobody knows exactly how their father came to possess the coins. Court documents filed in the case include tales of international intrigue, US economic history, and as the jury heard Friday, the minutiae of the accounting procedures at the US Mint over seven decades ago.

1933 Double eagles were minted on 15 March 1933, a week after President Franklin Roosevelt, ordered the US Treasury to halt the release of all gold. In 1937, all the coins were destroyed by the Treasury and melt them into gold bars. Only two of the coins survived as part of the official US coin collection at the Smithsonian Institution.

But 10 of the coins surfaced in the 1940's. Over the next decade, the US Secret Service tracked down nine of them and destroyed them. All of the owners said they bought them from Switt, or from someone who bought them from Switt, according to court documents. Switt was twice investigated for illegally possessing gold coins in the 1930s and 1940s. He surrendered many of the coins, but was never prosecuted because the statute of limitations had run out, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero said to Associated Press.

The tenth 1933 Double Eagle, became the personal collection of Egypt's King Farouk in the 1940's, he received permission from the US government to ship the coin overseas. In 1954, the coin turned up at an auction in Cairo, during a sale of the deposed king's coin collection. Upon learning of the 1933 Double Eagle, the US government requested that it not be sold. The coin disappeared, only to turn up in the 1990s in the possession of British collector Stephen Fenton, who was arrested in New York City after trying to sell the coin to undercover US Secret Service agents. The government and Fenton later consented to its sale at auction on 30 july 2002 for $7.59 million and split the proceeds with the owner.

In 2004, Switt's daughter, Joan Langbord, told officials at the US Treasury that she had found 10 more 1933 Double Eagles in a safe deposit box.She asked the Treasury Department to authenticate them. The government instead seized them, but the federal judge later ordered officials to defend the forfeiture at trial. The coins are being kept at Fort Knox.

The government argues that the safety box was not rented until six years after Switt died in 1990. Government lawyers say that 10 other "double eagles" that surfaced in the 20th century can all be traced to Switt. Prosecutors believe Switt and a corrupt cashier at the Mint had a hand in the breach. The Langbords had opened their deposit box the day before the London dealer's Farouk coin was seized in 1996, Romero said. The family later offered a similar 50-50 split with the U.S. to settle the case, but the government rejected it on grounds the family cannot legitimize their ownership of the coins, given Switt's history.

Lawyers for Langbord and her two sons Roy and David, argue in court documents that having a theory as to how the coins left the mint isn't enough. The government must prove the coins were stolen. They argue that in the 1930s, it was common and even permissible for employees of the mint to replace old coins with new ones of equal value.

Source: AFP & Associated Press


4 comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)