KN Boon 6th Edition Book has been released (officially) since 21 July 2012 but I had seen it sold online by some sellers few days before that, I only get my copy last Friday. When I touch the book for the first time, I feel it is a bit lighter then the 5th edition book. I also like the design on the front cover that came from Malaysia new banknotes. It make the book color bright and appealing for our eyes. When I have the old 5th edition book at hand, I found out that the new KN Boon Book a little bit thinner even though it have more pages (481 pages compare to old book, 453 pages). For me, that is good, with the lightweight book, we can bring it anywhere. Most of us want to buy coin & banknote book as reference when we go out looking for our item, that will be helpful.
KN Boon 6th Edition Book
Malaysia, Brunei & Singapore Banknotes & Coins 6th Edition by KN Boon
Writer/Editor: K.N Boon
Release date: 21 July 2012
Release Price: RM55
Pages: 481 pages
Publisher: Trigometric Sdn Bhd
If you're looking for a reference guide about Malaysia coin price, this is the book. In the acknowledgments (page 3), The editor KN Boon has stated:
"Valuations stated in ringgit Malaysia are based on my best knowledge of market estimations at time of printing. As actual market conditions are constantly changing, the valuations should serve as guides or indicators only, and may differ from the actual price you would receive or expect to pay."
I think that statement by the editor itself already give you a hint that this book will share with you their opinion about Malaysia coins and banknotes market price. You don't only get market price for your collection but also an education for newbies; beginner's guide, chart of coin size by millimeters, coin grading, banknote grading & banknote grading table. With every series of coin, they will be an explanation at the beginning of the chapter. Making it a good reference for collectors to learn a bit of history of their collection.
When I read through the book, I noticed that many item don't have any price update since the last edition. Some of the price might be correct for the current market price but for some item like 50 sen milled edge, the price are way lower then market price. I don't think you can get a Extremely Fine condition 50 sen 1967 milled edge at RM300 anymore. Personally, I do think they don't put a higher price in their book to protect this hobbies. Recently, we can see some item price has been going up very fast. Especially for the keydates Malaysia coins. The price sometimes are ridiculous because of manipulation in the market. I will try to contact Trigometric and ask them what really happen. Does the price for most of the items doesn't go up for over 2 years?
KN Boon Book also added some information and pictures of Straits Settlements & old Malaya essay, color trial and proof banknotes. I do think it will be better if they put all of them in one chapter and give some information about what are essay, color trial and proof banknotes. Many newbies in this hobby still don't really understand them and added information will be really helpful for education.
Other then the old price on some of the items, I personally think this book still a good buy for everyone. With a lighter weight for the new edition, it will be easy for you to bring it anywhere. You can get this book directly at Trigometric Sdn Bhd:
Trigometric Sdn Bhd
Lot 327, Amcorp Mall,
18 Jalan Persiaran Barat,
Off Jalan Timur,
Petaling Jaya
46050 Selangor,
Malaysia
Tel: 603-79579566
Fax: 603-79579568
Website: www.3833.com
