I am not a collector

Have you read my post yesterday, tonight I want to cry? Look like nobody guess the correct answer, I thought I want to give a free copy of Sa-ribu ringgit banknote to the lucky winner but since nobody give a correct reply.., lucky me. Hahahahaha. Just Joking. For the 1st case, I am sad because every time I found damage coins or banknotes because of mishandling or improper keeping by the original owner, when I asked them why don't you take care your collection, the answer will be, "I am not a collector". If you're not a collector and you read this, please read carefully, "You're not a collector but one day, you need to sell your collection, please learn how to keep your collection properly!" If you're a collector, you must have non-collector friends who you know own a collection, please share this post with them, so they can realize that improper care of coins and banknotes will devalue their collection.

For the 1st case, you can see a 1986 PATA silver proof coin set of two complete with a box. The box is in a very bad condition, almost all the corner torn, the hinge already have extra sound and you can also see the metal box inside get some rust. The $5 coin already became dull and not shiny. The $1 coin reverse looks OK but the obverse have plenty oxidation spots. Both obverse and reverse of the $5 coin also have many oxidation trace on them. For non-collector, this is nothing, the coin still has some value but for coin collector, if you really know the value of this kind of coin, you will not buy it for your collection.

Many non-collector don't know, If any coins that come with a box and a certificate, it must come with a coin, box and certificate to make it a complete set. If that coin don't have a box, it will lose around 15% of the value, add another 15% if it don't have the certificate. Its already 30%, You need to add around 30% if you want to sell it through a dealer (If they want to buy it), You already lose around 60% from a market value. A mistake that you can avoid if you give proper care to your coins or banknotes. Many non-collectors also don't know that a coin box like this are consider as don't have any box since its in bad shape, no collector will want to buy the coin, unless the dealer need to reduce the price for the coins without a box.

For coins in these kind of condition, its already lose its numismatic value, people buy it just for its metal value, minus 30% dealer price. You should not touch your proof coin even with a tweezer! A scratch on a proof coin is like a scratch on your pocket, the big amount of scratch will make you losing a big amount of money. Most collector like to see the original shine of the coin. If your coin already look dull like this and you want to try make it shine, please don't. Cleaned coin will also make the coin price drop. 

Even if you're not a collector, please learn how to properly take care your collection. You pay some amount of money to buy it, its an investment. If you don't properly take care your investment, you will lose your money. You will be lucky if someone want to buy it from you. If not.., every night before going to sleep you will be thinking about profit that you cannot get because you're not collector. I am not a collector is not an excuse, you pay, its your collection before you sell it to other people. Learn how to properly take care your investment or you will regret it one day.

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Malaysian Collector Investment mistake

Many Malaysian who want to collect coins and banknotes for investment make a mistakes that will cost them money later. Many young investor contact me and asking me what they should collect, in my opinion, if you want to invest in something, you need to do your own research. Numismatic collecting is not something you can just join and invest, you need to learn what it is all about first. You need to learn about grading, some investor don't even know what is "Uncirculated". They just collect anything that they can find and only realize they're making a big mistake when they want to sell their collection later. Many Malaysian investor believe a shinning coins are brilliant uncirculated coins and can get high price among collectors, without knowing that those are cleaned coins and a real collector will only buy them at a very low price. Some investor learn their mistake, move on and do the right thing, while some investor stop collecting. 

Before you read the rest of this article, make sure you read this first: Investor or Collector?

Picture: banknotes at SLCollectors Shop.

Here are list of mistake by Malaysian collector:

1. Believe what Dealer said what to invest.

Many Malaysian collector just believe what any of their trusted dealer said to them what they should collect. For example, I had seen so many times dealer advising collector to collect new replacement notes and claimed it to be rare item. The price will be going up sky high and one day, a bunch of the replacement notes going into the market and the price will be dropping fast. Don't believe your dealer 100%, do your own research before you start investing your money in any collection. Some dealer told you to invest into that particular banknotes and coins just because of profit or they have stock to sell.

2. Don't buy any book for guidance.

In Numismatic collecting, books are the most important thing to collect. You can understand many thing about your investment if you have coins and banknotes books as a guide. For Malaysia collectors, try to get at least Steven Tan or KN Boon books to help you learn about collecting and guide you about the market price. Many collector don't care to invest in numismatic books and start collecting, a mistake that can be avoided for just few ringgit.

3. Don't know when to let go their investment (small/short time investor).

I think this is happened to any small time investor who want to gain some money in collecting. For example, when the New Malaysia banknote Premier set has just been released, many of these small time investor buying the sets because they heard the price are almost double from the release price. They don't know that in Malaysia, the price of the newly released item will be going high for a short period of time since everyone afraid they cannot get it. After certain period of time, the price will be dropping after many other people offering the same items at the same time. You need to know, do you collect it for long term or short term investment. Many newbies who mistakenly bought a lot of the Premier sets feel frustrated and some even sell their sets below their cost.

4. Don't know market value of their investment.

In Numismatic, market value is not just about the item price, you also need to know the grading of the items. The higher the grading/condition of the coins or banknotes, the higher the value. Some collectors don't study market value of their item and make a mistake by buying the items higher then market value. When they want  to sell their collection, it took them longer time to sell because of the high cost. Some collector end up selling their collection below cost because they need the money.

5. They forget about grading, they just collect what they can find.

Many new collector mistakenly buy any rare coins or banknotes that they can find even if the item in Very Good condition and the price are very high. If you want to make sure your investment worth it, only buy Uncirculated condition items or at least Very Fine condition. You can buy item below that condition if the sell price really cheap and will not cost you much. Yes.., it is cool to flash your rare items even though its conditions are just Fine but when you want to sell them later on, it will be difficult because not many people want to buy low grading items at a very high price.

6. Collect what their friends are collecting.

They're also people who want to invest but they just follow what their friends collect. You need to remember, in numismatic, they're always collector and investor. Collector normally collect that items because in their eyes, the coins or banknotes are beautiful not because their value will be going up one day. Some new investor who don't realize that just follow collecting what their friends collect. In the end, they will be wasting their money investing on something that only their friends collect not what other collectors out of their league are collecting. If you want to invest, do some research, what items are worth to invest. Make your friends as a guide, don't just copy what they're collecting.

7. They want rare item but don't want to learn how to check for counterfeit.

In Numismatic, rare items meant they will be counterfeit or fake out there. Many new collectors don't want to invest their time to learn and understand about counterfeit but want to invest in rare items. Some of the items worth thousands of ringgit and it will be a waste of money investing in fake items. Before you start investing in rare coins or banknotes, learn how to check for fake items first. Don't start buying if you still don't understand about counterfeit rare items. It will be cool to show the rare items to newbies but your reputation will be going down to drain if real collector show your "fake" collection. If you mistakenly bought a fake items, don't show it, keep it in a drawer some where.

8. They buy expensive item but don't care where they put it. 

Many collectors don't care where they put their investment. For them, buying the most expensive item in the market already give them save investment. They just put their coins and banknotes in a drawer, on a wall or on their desk. Some Malaysian even laminate their banknotes just to make sure it stay new and looking good. They don't know laminating most of the time will damage the banknotes. If you have investing a lot of money on a banknotes or coins, why don't you invest on a quality coin capsules, coin holder, plastic sleeve for banknote or album for your precious collection? Make sure you invest on a high quality items to protect your investment.

9. Cleaning their coins and banknotes.

Many Malaysian new collectors like to clean their coins and banknotes. If you like your investment, please don't clean them! It will only damage your collection. They maybe look dirty for you today but when you have gain some knowledge in collecting, you will be adoring that dirty coins later. Collecting is not about collecting beautiful shinny coins, cleaned items will lowered your item price. Again, please stop cleaning your coins.

10. Buying cheap item online.

If you're newbies on online buying, please avoid buying rare items at a very cheap price. They're scammer and fraudster out there who are luring buyer with cheap rare item in Mudah.my, Lelong.com or Facebook. Many newbies who look at the cheap price quickly paid the scammer, they only realize it is a scam after few weeks they don't received the items. Buy from a reputable sellers, you can read my post about Top 20 Facebook sellers and Genuine Mudah dealers list as a guide.

Have you done any of the mistake above?

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How to spot fake £1 coin

Yesterday, a report by Royal Mint said with every 100 pieces £1 coin, you can find 3 pieces fake coins. The recent survey indicated a counterfeit rate of around 3.09% for the £1 coin.With rising counterfeit coins in circulation, you need to know how to spot fake £1 coin. Royal Mint has been seriously trying to prevent fake coins in circulation and have released an easy-to-use guide and poster for you to download. Its an offence to own and circulate these coins under Britain Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981. If you find any fake in your change, its illegal to use it and you need to report it to the nearest Police station. Enforcement of these provisions is entirely a matter for law enforcement agencies, such as the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. Royal Mint is working closely with the Banks and Post Office to identify and withdraw counterfeits at cash centres.

How to spot a counterfeit pound coins:

1. Do the date and design match?

The reverse design on £1 coins is changed each year and therefore the design must match the year date. You cannot remember all the designs, you can check them at Royal Mint Website;  one pound designs poster.

2. Edge Lettering is wrong

The lettering or inscription on the edge of a genuine coin must correspond with the year date. You can look at the the coin edge inscription list below. Usually the milled edge of a counterfeit is poorly defined and the lettering is uneven in depth and spacing.

3. Quality of the coins.

Genuine coins lose their lustre when they have been in circulation for some time. Some counterfeits appear more shiny and golden, and show no sign of age despite the date of the coin. The colour of the coin does not match genuine coins.

4. Orientation

The designs on both the “heads and tails” of the coin should be aligned when swivelled.



£1 Coins Edge Inscription and Years:
Decus et Tutamen =‘An ornament and a safeguard’from Virgil’s Aeneid.
Year: 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010.

Nemo Me Impune Lacessit=‘No one provokes me with impunity’ – the motto of the Order of the Thistle.
Year: 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999.

Pleidiol Wyf I’m Gwlad=‘True am I to my country’ from the Welsh National Anthem.
Year: 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000.

A decorative feature symbolising bridges and pathways.
Year: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007.

Domine Dirige Nos=‘Lord guide us’ – the motto of the city of London.
Year: 2010.

Pro Tanto Quid Retribuamus= ‘What return shall we make for so much’ – the motto of the city of Belfast.
Year: 2010.


Date and Reverse Design
1983 Ornamental royal arms.
1984 Thistle sprig in a coronet, representing Scotland.
1985 Leek in a coronet, representing Wales.
1986 Flax in a coronet, representing Northern Ireland.
1987 Oak tree in a coronet, representing England.
1988 Crown over the Royal Shield.
1989 Thistle sprig in a coronet, representing Scotland.
1990 Leek in a coronet, representing Wales.
1991 Flax in a coronet, representing Northern Ireland.
1992 Oak tree in a coronet, representing England.
1993 Ornamental royal arms.
1994 Lion Rampant in a double tressure flory,representing Scotland.
1995 Dragon Passant representing Wales.
1996 Celtic cross and pimpernel, representing Northern Ireland.
1997 Three lions passant guardant, representing England.
1998 Issued in collectors' sets only, not for circulation.
1999 Issued in collectors' sets only, not for circulation.
2000 Dragon Passant representing Wales.
2001 Celtic cross and pimpernel, representing Northern Ireland.
2002 Three lions passant guardant, representing England.
2003 Ornamental royal arms.
2004 Scottish Forth Railway Bridge
2005 Welsh Menai Straits Bridge
2006 Northern Ireland Egyptian Arch at Newry
2007 English Millennium Bridge
2008 The shield from the Royal Coat of Arms.

Source: www.royalmint.com

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Nobody know everything in numismatic

Many Malaysian collector don't know, nobody know everything in numismatic. When meeting coin sifu, dealer or old collectors, most Malaysian collectors think they will get the answer that they want especially when they asked for coin appraisal. Numismatic in Malaysia are little bit different from United States, they have many books, websites and blogs that can help them refer the price of certain item. In Malaysia, books a very scarce thing, only 3 Authors/Publishers who frequently write a price guide for Malaysian Collector; Steven Tan, K.N Boon and Eureka Metro Sdn Bhd. They don't cover all the coins and banknotes of Malaysia, mostly only the current coins and banknotes. Malaysia have many old tin coins, tampang, gold coins, old silver coins or even Malay states coins. Even for the error circulation coins, they're no actual price guide by anyone.

When a collector go to Amcorp Mall and asked about their coin price, most of them expect the dealers there to be able to help them. Many don't realize when you asked the dealers about your coins, they will bring out either Steven Tan or K.N Boon book for reference. It will not be a problem if the coin is in that book but when it come to tin coins, some of them don't have any knowledge and quote a low price for your coins. They're also some dealers in Amcorp Mall who don't know how to check if your coin is genuine or fake. Some of them is pure "coin seller" without a slight knowledge of numismatic. If you don't believe me and you have a beautiful copper coin in a slab that you bought at cheap price, open it and bring your coin for appraisal in Amcorp Mall. You will be amazed with some of the dealers explanation. I done it before for my blog work but I don't write or post about it because it will humiliate the dealers and maybe ruined their business. Don't worry, only one or two dealers in there who don't have knowledge about numismatic.

When come to old collectors, Malaysian automatically called them as sifu because they're older. Old doesn't mean he/she know many thing about numismatic, its just an age/years that they have live in this world. Some of them maybe start collecting a few years back. Whenever you asked for an opinion about numismatic from an old guys who you just started to know/meet recently, make sure you asked for second opinion. Some of them are trying to mislead you, to make sure they gain a fans and making it easy to sell their coins. Some people just want to manipulate and gain something especially if you already have many collector friends.

Do you know how many kind of coins that we have for collection in Malaysia? Some Sifu only knew few parts since they don't collect or study them all. For example, Sifu Dickson Niew (Have you read KOSMO yesterday?; Dickson Niew in KOSMO) only have expertise in Malaysia Parliament and Bunga Raya counterfeit and error coins (correct me if I am wrong). You can talk Malaysia Token with him but if he don't know anything about it, he need to asked other expert. You cannot expect all the Sifu know everyhing. For Malaysia coin error, I wish Sifu Dickson Niew can write a price guide to coin collector since they're already many error collectors in Malaysia but we don't have any book to guide us.

If you read my about me page, I already told everyone, I am not an expert, I am just a normal collector like you. What I wrote in this blog came from my reading and from a chat with some of the Sifu's. Most of Malaysia coin expert don't want to be known/famous, lucky for you, they want to share their knowledge with me. With sifu Dickson Niew in Malaysia Collector Blogsphere (dniewcollectors.blogspot.com), at least we have one Sifu with a blog. Hopefully many will come out this year. The more blogger sharing their expertise, the more good it will bring to all collectors. I found some other experts Malaysian Collector Blogs few months ago but sadly, he stop writing since last year.

Nobody know everything in numismatic, do you agree?

PS: To new collectors out there, don't be racist if you want to collect numismatic knowledge. Yes.., we have a lots of chinese sifu but that doesn't mean they come from China. They're Malaysian, you should thank them for trying to teach you about Malay tin coins not giving sarcastic view about their races.

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Coin collecting a very expensive hobby?

I suppose to write about the BNM Online shop petition today but a comment by my fellow blogger, get my attention; "coin collecting a very expensive hobby?" In my opinion, it depends on what you collect. Sometime, you don't need to waste a single cent from your pocket, just keep that 1 sen in a safe place and wait for 40 years. As you can see in this picture, you can easily sell this coin for RM50 now. In 1968, this coin maybe worth RM1 for collector. At that time, you maybe think all this collectors are crazy buying this 1 sen denomination coin at a very high price. You will not think like that today, would you?

You can also start teaching your kids to collect coins for a very small budget, let say RM50 a month. Collecting coins doesn't means you need to buy what other collectors are buying. Try looking at the world circulation coins that you can get with that RM50. Maybe you can start with a one cent/penny coins. You can still get those coins for RM1-RM5 a piece. You can bring your kids hunting for coins in the weekends. If you don't know where you can find a coins in Malaysia, you can read this; where to find coins in Malaysia. Make sure you already bought coin holder and coin album for your kids. For other kids project, you can read my old posts about them here:

United States 50 states quarter dollars
UK One Pound coin
Different shape coins
Bi-Metallic coins
Faces on coins

Coin collecting will be expensive if you start to collect rare and error coins but you still can collect them if you get a proper knowledge about error and rare Malaysia coins. For more knowledge about Malaysia error and rare coins, you can go to sifu Dickson blog; Niewmismatic error coins. He is one of Malaysia error coins expert and already wrote over 100 articles about Malaysia error coins. Study what he wrote in his blog and start looking at any Malaysia coins that you can find. Some rare error coins can go up to hundreds ringgit and it don't cost you anything. You maybe have error and rare Malaysia coins right now without realizing it.

You can also collecting coins according to their years, it will only cost you face value of the coins. Just make sure, they're some years Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) don't produce or mint coins. You can find out more about Malaysia coins issue at; No issue Malaysia coins. Just look for the best looking coins you can find and put it in coin album. You maybe need to buy coin holder and coin album to make sure your coins keep on shining in the future.

They're many way you can start collecting but most non collector will not realize that. Whatever coins you want to collect, it will be a rewarding hobby. You just need to be patient and take care your coins. You don't need to clean them to make it shiny and beautiful. For my non collector friends out there, will you still consider coin collecting as an expensive hobby?

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Queen Elizabeth II coin portraits

Last week, a few of my Facebook friends have a discussion about Queen Elizabeth II coin potraits. One of them is asking about a potrait that look identical but with a different writing on them. One of them have a writing "ELIZABETH II D.G.REG F.D" and the other "ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F D". My friend were thinking that both of the portraits on the coins are different persons because of the different faces and writing on the coin obverse. Most of the answer on the discussion told him that both coins show the pictures of Queen Elizabeth II but with a different portraits design. The words abbreviations "D. G. REG. F. D." or "DEI GRATIA REGINA F D" stand for Dei gratia regina fidei defensor which means ""By the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith" and normally can be seen on British coins.

Here are some of the Queen Elizabeth II coin portraits designs:

Mary Gillick Portrait

First portrait of the Queen to appear on a coin was issued in 1953, shows The Queen wearing a wreath, a young woman in her mid-20s. This portrait was used both on UK coinage and the coinage of many commonwealth countries. The first portrait was used from 1953 to 1965 on all pre-decimal coins.

Cecil Thomas Portrait

A portraits on Malaya and British Borneo coins is a design by Cecil Thomas. His designs  showed an effigy of The Queen crowned and facing right. Cecil Thomas designed a ‘realm portrait’ which is similar in nature and appears in the same context as that of George VI who was king before and father to Queen Elizabeth II. The design approved for use on colonial coinage and certain medals.

Arnold Machin RA Portrait

A new portrait of the Queen was adopted for the decimal coins. Designed by Arnold Machin RA, it had in fact been approved by the Queen as early as June 1964. Like Mary Gillick, Machin avoided the couped portrait cut off by the neck which had been usual on coins earlier in the century. The wreath, however, was replaced with the tiara which the Queen had been given as a wedding present from her grandmother Queen Mary.  The design was used for the decimal coins from 1968 to 1984.

Raphael Maklouf Portrait

From 1985 to 1997, UK circulating coins were struck bearing a royal portrait by the sculptor Raphael Maklouf. The couped portrait – cut off at the neck – shows the Queen with the royal diadem which she wears on her way to and from the State Opening of Parliament, and includes a necklace and earrings. A close examination reveals the artist’s initials, RDM, on the truncation of the neck, the inclusion of the middle letter – for David – ensuring that the signature would not be misinterpreted as a reference to the Royal Mint.

Dora de Pedery-Hunt Portrait

Dora de Pedery-Hunt was an artist who designed various coins and medals. She created the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II that was used on Canadian coinage in 1990. She was the first Canadian citizen to design an effigy for Her Majesty, The Queen. Her effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, when she was 64 years old.

Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS Portrait

Portrait design by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS is a winning design in a competition held by the Royal Mint to design the obverse of the 1997 Golden Wedding crown. The design introduced in 1998 and show the matureness of the Queen’s years, etchings of age to reflect her 71 years.

Susanna Blunt Portrait

Susanna Blunt is a Canadian portrait artist who designed the most recent portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the current Canadian coinage, which began in 2003. Blunt was invited by the Canadian Mint to join eight other artists in a nationwide competition for a new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II to be used on Canadian coins. Blunt created the image from a photograph of the Queen.

Source: Wikipedia, Royal Mint UK,

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Top 20 coin websites

On Monday, a reader asked me what is the best coin websites that I frequently visit. Reading has been my hobbies beside coin collecting and blogging. I always do my reading in the early morning or before I go to sleep at night. Nowadays, online information is more easy to find and many websites are available then few years back. I have many websites that I frequently visit and read including coin blogs. I will share with you my "Top 20 coin websites", according to my preference. The top websites means I visit the site more frequently then the bottom of the list. I also share top coin forum in the list. Most of the time, coin forum are the place for you to asked about your coins questions. Active forum will help you find your answer faster.

Worlds top coin websites:

1. Numismaster.com

2. Coinnews.net 

3. Coinlink.com

4. PCGScoinfacts.com

5. Coins.about.com

6. Don's World Coin Gallery

7. Coincommunity.com

8. Coinweek.com

9. Coininfo.com

10. Coin World

11. Coin Update

12. Mint News Blog

13. Coin Collecting News

14. Silver Coin Today

15. My Coin Collecting

Best Coin Forum:

1. Coin Forum

2. Coin Talk

3. Forum Ancient Coins

4. Coin Network

5. Coin People

Do you read some of the websites in my list? They're many information give by them about numismatic, rare coins, prices guides, popular coins, gold coins, silver coins, coin collecting and most of them provide an updated coin news daily. I also read many blogs and will try to put a list later but you can find some of them at my Banknote Blogs List.

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Dickson Niewmismatic

When I visit Dickson Niewmismatic shop on 30 September 2011, I also had a chance to interview him. Beginner need someone who had been a successful in his field to inspire them, this interview is for beginner collector who need to be inspired. I had seen many newbies collector collect something because they friend collect them not because value of the collection. Coin collecting is a rewarding hobbies, if you collect a wrong thing, it will be a waste of money. I hope interview with Dickson Niew will inspire some of you who had just start collecting. Will try to do more interview in the future.

When do you start collecting

I had been collecting coins since I am a little children but only do it seriously in 2007. I am lucky because my eldest brother now in Singapore is a hardcore coin collector. I had a chance to take some of his extra collection and keep it as my collection.

What do you collect?

Mostly Malaysia Parliament coins. I specialize in Malaysia error coins and counterfeit coins. 

Who inspire you?

Nobody give me inspiration to start collecting but you can say my brother force me to collect.

You most precious collection?

1976 1 sen copper. Not because of its price but on how I get it in my collection. I had been asking many of my numismatic members if they had that coin in their collection, not easy to get but worth it. I also have a complete set of Brilliant Uncirculated Parliament series.

Where do you get your collection?

I get almost all my collection in Malaysia; Coin shop, pasar karat, flea market and Malaysia eBay.

Future of coin collecting in Malaysia

Nowadays, I had seen many youngster start to collect coins. Some of them come from a professional background; Doctor, Lawyer, Engineer etc. I also have shop visitors from my Facebook friends. But I had seen youngster trend to collect solid numbers banknote, you should try to collect Malaysia tin coins. its far much better in value and history. You can get a solid number in every circulation but you cannot get duit ayam, jongkong or Johor Katun when nobody want to sell them. It is part of Malaysia history.

Counterfeit coins in Malaysia
For me, a counterfeit 1985 50 sen in my possession is the best Malaysian counterfiet coins. It look almost the same with the original 1985 50 sen.

Error coins in Malaysia

They're 3 round of Malaysia error coins; 1990, 1998 and 2007. But in the third round many human mint coins come into market (50 sen bang with 1 sen etc). It might be great to have such thing but when they're too many human mint coins come into market, people will lose confidence.

Dickson Niew is also a blogger at Niewmismatic Error Coins and a life time Malaysia Numismatic Society member. His blog mostly talk about Malaysia parliament and bunga raya error and rare coins. He also have a little shop in Subang USJ; Dickson Niew Collection Corner. You can meet him personally to get a free authentication of your error and rare coins.

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How to detect 1976 1 sen copper

The recent post about 1 sen 1976 1 sen goes to RM3600 has bring a lots of attention by Malaysian collectors. Many readers emailing and sms me asking about the coins. Some even told me that they have the actual coin that I mention in the posts. They also told me that they had test it with magnet and it attract to the magnet. When I check again, I mistakenly wrote that the 1976 1 sen is attracted by magnet, I am sorry. Copper don't suppose to be attracted by magnet, the steel in the copper-clad steel coin does. I already fix the original post; 1 sen 1976 now RM3600.

How to detect 1976 1sen copper coin:
1. Find a normal house magnet.
2. Put all your 1 sen  1976 in one place.
3. Point the magnet to your 1976 1 sen coins.
4. If you find any coins that don't stick to the magnet, its the coins that we are looking for.

Remember, Genuine 1976 1 sen copper cents "will not" be attracted to a magnet.

Copper-clad steel 1 sen will show a strong magnetic attraction.

I hope this will help many of you who had been asking about this coins. I am sorry for mistakenly put a wrong information in my blog.

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Sasana Kijang Bank Negara

I visited Sasana Kijang Bank Negara on the same day as the Malaysia Numismatic Auction no.149 on 25 September 2011. Sasana Kijang located at Jalan Dato Onn, Kuala Lumpur, just beside Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) headquarters. For address, maps and complete information about its location, you can read my post; Sasana Kijang location. This post is a series of posts about the new BNM building. Thank you to BNM for their generosity on providing information relating to numismatic with the new Numismatic gallery. In my visit that day only a small crowd are coming to visit that museum. Maybe because not many people know about the new place.

When I drive to Sasana Kijang, I don't see any road signboard that can provide information for that place location. It will be hard for people who don't really familiar with Kuala Lumpur road but the easy way is to find Memorial Tun Hussien Onn, the building is just beside that memorial. If you parked on LG4, the lifts will bring you straight to lobby. The lift to the visiting floors a little bit weird for me. I can only see the letter "G" and only realized that it is a lift when I saw people coming out from that thing. They're four floor for visitor but currently the first floor still not finish yet.

On the Ground Floor, you can find Cafe and Gift Shop. This is the last place I visit that day but a must visit for every visitor. The cafe look exclusive but the food price are cheaper then 3 star hotel with a 5 star hotel food. The sardine curry puff in the picture make me want to visit Sasana Kijang again. On that day, I buy this curry puff twice for take away because of the delicious taste that I cannot find in other place. The price is only RM2 a piece. When you visit this place, Please don't forget try eating in their cafe. Thank you for the cheap but delicious food BNM.

In the gift shop, you can buy gift related to numismatic and also T-Shirt, Necklaces, bracelets, bookmark. You also get to view gold leaf banknotes on display in the shop. Some of the Numismatic item you can buy include Malaysia new 3rd series coins commemorative folder, Malaysia 2nd series coins, Sukan Komanwel 98 commemorative banknote, "Malaysia Numismatic Heritage" book and "Kedah & Perlis Currency Heritage" book. They're also some books related to painting/batik and painting collection of BNM. I suggest this shop sell Steven Tan catalog in the future, to help non collector buying books related to Malaysia numismatic.

The "Galeri Numismatik" is located on the second floor of the visitor building. The gallery is a little bit dark maybe to conserve daily energy used and to help you look at the collections better. You will be greeted by BNM Barter Trade game once you enter the starting gate. Its need two persons to play the game and it teach you how hard it is to do barter trade instead of exchange money. Nobody in the gallery during my visit that day. I try to play the game alone but I then realized this is not what I am coming for. They display their collections according to the earliest coinage in Malaysia history. You get to see the vast collection of early Malay coinage from Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Perak, Melaka and also Sabah (British North Borneo) & Sarawak coins. Most of their Malay Sultanate collection are something that I never seen before in my life. Read More.

Please wait for my other posts about the new BNM Complex. You can also view more pictures related to this post at Malaysia Coin Facebook page.

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No issue Malaysia coins

A friend of mine asked me to find a 20 sen 2003 to complete her collections. She even offer RM100 for a piece of that coin, if you can find it. Many newbies who are looking to complete their collection don't know that they're some years Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) don't issue any coins for certain denominations. If you find someone selling that particular coins, it most probably a fake or replica, just to satisfy collector desire for that coins. Some of the coins also sold by Mistik Website/blog for a very high price. Here are the list of coins not issued by BNM.

No issue Malaysia coins (Duit tiada keluaran):

1 sen:
Year (1969, 1972, 1974 & 1975). Last known mintage 2007.

5 sen:
Year (1969, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1983, 1984 & 1986).

10 sen:
Year (1969, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1984, 1985, 1986 & 1987).

20 sen:
Year (1972, 1974, 1975, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2003).

50 sen:
Year (1970, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1976 & 2006).

One ringgit:

Year (1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1987 & 1988). RM1 no more legal tender from 7 December 2005.

BNM don't mint coins for that years because there is no coins shortage for that particular denominations in circulation. For some years, BNM minted over 100 millions pieces coins a year and the next year, they don't mint a new coins. It will be easy for you to understand about collecting if you bought a book. There is a small book by Peter Eu & Ben Chiew sold for RM25 that can help you learn a little bit about Malaysia coins and banknotes.

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Coin Collection Manager 1.0

Do you remember Banknote Collection software that I share with you a few months back? The software creator, Abhisoft has released a new software for coin collection; Coin Collection Manager 1.0. Coin Collection Manager is a professional application designed for people who have a hobby of collecting coins. Easily catalog your coins collection by storing detailed information about each coin with images. You can also take print outs of your collection, and even export to HTML, PDF or CSV format. The software price is just $15 per license.

Features

• Store your Coin Collection Details with Images
• Large Capacity - You can store thousands of coins
• Summary - Quickly view information about a selected coin
• Printing - Take a print out of your collection
• Export - Easily export your collection to HTML, PDF or CSV format
• Image Preview - Quickly preview the image of selected coin
• Zoom - View the image of coin in actual size
• Search - Easily search your collection
• Valuation - Shows the total money you spend on your collection along with its current value
• Free Life Time Updates - Buy once and get all future versions for free
• System Requirements: Windows XP, Vista, 7

What details you can keep in Coin Collection Manager 1.0:

You can keep details such as Currency name, Denomination, Country, Year, Series, Material, Grade, Purchased Price and where do you purchased the notes from.

You can buy this software at abhisoft.net.

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How to calculate gold coin price?

One of my readers favourite question is How much is my gold coin worth? I had been thinking about writing this post; How to calculate gold coin price? for over 3 months. It's not easy to find the right calculation for the estimate value of gold coins. Most of the time, the value worth more then the bullion price. But the easy way to calculate the value of your gold coins is by looking at the gold bullion price. This calculation can also be used for Silver Coin price. Thanks to my friend Wilson@Willy Chow for the tips and calculation formula. Hopefully this can help all Malaysian collectors who had been asking about Malaysia and Singapore gold coins.

Gold Silver price calculator

‎(current gold/silver price (per ounce) × 0.03215) × ( coin weight × gold/silver content) = coin silver value in US$

For example:
Tunku gold coin
(1820.80 x 0.03215) x (18.66 x 0.917) = US$1001.67 = RM3085.00

150th anniversary of Singapore gold coin.
(1820.80 x 0.03215) x (24.88 x 0.916) = US$1333.79 = RM4,028.98


Current Gold Price per ounce:


(If the chart cannot be viewed, you can go to Kitco.com)


Current Silver Price per ounce:



(If the chart cannot be viewed, you can go to Kitco.com)

For Free Currency Converter, you can try these website:
http://business.westernunion.com/currency-converter/

Please remember, this calculation is only for the bullion spot value. You must take into consideration the coin mintage, condition, type, age and also its rarity. For Malaysia gold coins market, this calculation give the "almost accurate" price for gold coins. Please give comment if you have any idea on this matters. This post meant to help collector who own a gold coin to calculate their estimate Gold/Silver Coins Value.

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Excavator driver can get historic artifacts

One of my Penang sifu always told me, try to be a friend to a excavator driver because excavator driver can get historic artifacts easily. Depends on where they were digging, they can find bowls, wine pots, jars, ceramic items, ancient coins, wine bottles, inking pots, opium pipes and etc. When I am in Penang, I always get old Penang coins (Straits Settlements, Malaya & British Borneo, some token) from excavator driver. A news by Guang Ming Daily last week bring back the old memories. I can easily get old coins in Penang because they're many ways to get them (beside buying).

Guang Ming Daily share a story of 58 year-old Dong Yong who loves collecting artifacts. He has been uncovering a great number of ancient artifacts with rich historical value. Working as an excavator driver over the years has not only provided Dong Yong with the source of livelihood but the job has also landed him a lot of ancient artifacts, he told Guang Ming Daily.

“I managed to dig up some bowls and plates with floral and rooster designs, and these richly coloured items are in prefect conditions,” he said.

“The bowls and ceramic items which remain commonly used among members of the Chinese community were recovered at rural areas off the Mersing Road. Therefore, it is evident that the Chinese had started to arrive in and live here since a long time ago,” he said.

Dong also found some ancient coins when carrying out his duty as an excavator driver. They are Qing dynasty coins as well as those manufactured in 1862 in India and carry the words “One Cent India Straits”.

“The coins were dug up at a place nearby the Kuala Sedili beach. Apart from that, I also found a wine bottle made of glass measuring one-inch thick. It is likely that the bottle had been left behind by the Dutch in those days,” he said.

Currently residing at Taman Kota Jaya, Kota Tinggi, Dong is preserving all the excavated items and artifacts in a proper way.

He said, he is also keeping a five yuan currency note which was issued by the Bank of China and carries the portrait of Sun Yat-sen. At the same time, his collection includes a 10 dollar note issued during the British colonial era in 1941.

Inking pot commending Japanese achievement in war

“Of my vast collection of artifacts, an extremely unique inking pot made of a seaside stone and weighing some 2kg is particularly eye-catching. Featuring artistically carved clouds as well as two carvings of bats, the artifact is rich in Chinese cultural value,” he said.

A row of Chinese characters neatly engraved at the back of the stone include this sentence – “battle must be won and success must be achieved”. By taking into account the strong will of the Japanese to achieve their goals, the stone probably belonged to the Japanese.

Dong said, the inking pot has been preserved for more than four decades. He found it at a wood factory located in a remote area in Kota Tinggi. Nowadays, it is hard to locate such inking pot and hence, Dong sees it as his prized possession.

“A coat of powder must be applied to the back of the inking pot before we can clearly see the engraved words. Judging by the words, the inking pot was probably manufactured in the second half of year 1942.

Source: mysinchew.com

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Ringgit sign Aishah

A lot of my friends who are not a collector asking about "ringgit sign aishah" (Malaysia Ringgit banknote signed by Aishah). Many of them believe or just heard rumours that a ringgit notes signed by this Aishah can get them a high return if they sell it to collector. Some heard rumours saying that notes signed by Malaysia former Permaisuri Agong Puan Seri Aisyah. Many of them also knew that there is no Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor name Aishah. The only women who ever been appointed as a BNM governor is Y.M. Tan Sri Dato' Ungku Dr. Zeti Akhtar binti Ungku Abdul Aziz.

Who exactly BNM Aishah?

The signed is exactly owned by Tan Sri Dato' Seri Ali Abul Hassan bin Sulaiman, BNM Governor from September 1998 until April 2000. His signature look like "Aishah".

Why Malaysian looking for Aishah banknote?

They heard rumours saying that the notes signed by Aishah can get them high value. Some also heard that you can get 10 times the value if you change them at BNM. Many people don't know that you can only get face value if you change any old ringgit in BNM. You can read my post about that in Tukar duit lama di BNM?

What is the truth about duit Aishah?

What many collector are looking for is a RM1 notes signed by Tan Sri Dato' Seri Ali Abul Hassan bin Sulaiman with CR prefix. The notes can go up to RM2000 for a Uncirculated notes. The notes get into circulation by mistake and only few of that banknotes exist in this world and only few UNC notes exist. Its a very rare notes for Malaysia Numismatic. They're also people who are looking for RM50 notes and RM100 notes signed by Tan Sri Dato' Seri Ali Abul.

Nilai duit sign Aishah@Ali Abul

RM50 BG-UNC Price=RM850.

RM50 BH-UNC Price=RM400.

RM50 BJ-UNC Price=RM450.

RM50 ZA (replacement notes)-UNC Price=RM1,800.

RM100-UNC Price=RM320.

RM100 ZA (replacement notes)-UNC Price=RM460.

Other than that, here is the price of other Aishah banknote:
RM2 side sign-UNC Price=RM50.
RM2 ZD (replacement notes) side sign-UNC Price=RM90.
RM10 side sign-UNC Price=RM120.
RM10 ZA (replacement notes) side sign-UNC Price=RM250.
RM2 center sign-UNC Price=RM15.
RM5 center sign-UNC Price=RM25.
RM10 ZA (replacement notes) center sign-UNC Price=RM100.

Please remember

You don't get the high price from changing them in Bank Negara! You also cannot get the high price from selling it to any banknote dealers. The best way to get a high price for that kind of banknotes by selling them online yourself. You can read my post on How to sell coins as a guide.

PS: To all blogger who copycat my post, please give a link back to my blog original post! I already report hundreds of blogs for DMCA copyright complaints. Almost all blogs I reported had already been deleted.

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Nilai duit lama

I had been writing about "nilai duit lama" (Malaysia old currency value) a long time ago but still many of my readers, email me asking for the same thing. The best way to know what is the value of Malaysia coins and banknotes are by buying any of this two books; Steven Tan Standard catalogue or KN Boon Books. You will get the latest nilai duit lama from any of the books. What I am sharing with everyone is from Steven Tan old catalogue books. It is just meant for a new collector or anyone who own an old coins to understand Malaysia Coins and banknote value. If you're really serious on collecting, you should buy any of those books.

For "nilai duit syiling", you can read my post; Check your coin value. Only Malaysia Parliament coin series are displayed on that post. This is because the 2nd series @bunga raya coin series value are mostly only have face value. Old doesn't mean the value and prices are higher. Many readers mistakenly think that their old coins can bring them fortune. That why you can see many sellers in Mudah.my selling their old coins for thousand of ringgit. I am sharing the price value to prevent Malaysian from selling their coins for a ridiculous price.

What coins that you should be looking for?

1 sen coin

1968-10,500,000 pcs Minted-UNC value=RM30.

1970-2,535,000 pcs Minted-UNC value=RM120.
1976 copper-only 100 pieces exist value=RM3600.

5 sen coin

1971-16,657,712 pcs Minted-UNC price=RM8.

1977-10,609,162 pcs minted-UNC price=RM8.

1982 with extra "dot" on parliment house-UNC price=RM250.

10 sen coin

1971-32,326 pcs minted-UNC price=RM280.

20 sen coin

1969-15,000,000 pcs minted-UNC price=RM120.

1970-1,054,000 pcs minted-UNC price=RM50.

1971-9,958,000 pcs minted-UNC price=RM15.

1978-6,847,000 pcs minted-UNC price=RM40.

50 sen coin

1969-2,000,000 pcs minted-UNC price=RM150.

1979 extra dot-UNC price=RM100.
1988 extra dot on parliament-UNC price=RM40

Don't forget to check for security thread for 1967, 1968 and 1969. 50 sen coin without the security thread, the price around RM1,000 for UNC.

If you don't know what UNC or Uncirculated means, you can read my post; Coin Grading for newbies. I am not buying your coin, I am sharing this to help everyone sell their own coins. You can read my post on how to sell coins. In that particular post, I am teaching you on how to start selling in mudah.my or eBay Malaysia. If you're new in coin collecting, I also already wrote a post on 10 tips for new coin collector. Coin collecting is a rewarding hobbies if you know what to sell and what to keep. Now, don't forget to share this Nilai duit lama post with your friends and go check your old piggy bank. Who know, the most famous Malaysia coin, Malaysia 10 sen 1971 coin is in your piggy bank?

PS: To all blogger who copycat my post, please give a link back to my blog original post! I already report hundreds of blogs for DMCA copyright complaints. Almost all blogs I reported had already been deleted.

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How to detect online Seller Fraud?

Do you know How to detect online Seller Fraud? I had received many email from online buyer who are frustrated with their online trading experience in Malaysia especially in Mudah.my and Facebook. Many of them told me that they find a high quality banknote/coins selling at a cheap price in Mudah.my. Many newbies buyer don't know that they're many scammer/fraudster out there who put their item at a cheap price as a bait. Most of them don't have the actual item (just a pictures that they found in Internet. Some even do counterfeit coin photo) and some of them will only send less valuable banknotes/coins to you.

How to detect Fraud online Seller:

1. If the price is too good to be true, try avoiding dealing with the seller. Unless he or she want to do Cash on Delivery (COD) with you. When you meet the seller, make sure you prepare your knowledge on how to check the genuine banknote/coin. If you want to start buying, I suggest you should learn the market price first. Buy a good books/Catalogue like Steven Tan Book or KN Boon Book. It is a must if you really serious in collecting coins and banknotes.

2. Do some investigation about the seller. Its hard to know if the seller is Genuine Mudah.my Dealers or fraudster since Mudah.my don't have any feedback system. Its a scammer heaven but a hell for buyer who had been cheated by them. You can try do some little investigation yourself to make sure if the seller is genuine or scammer:

i. Search his phone number or email+scam (or any words related) in Google. This will help you find any information about their details. If they had scam people before, their phone number will be pop-up in some websites/forums or blogs.

ii. After you confirm that you want to buy their item, seller normally will send you their name and Maybank account number, again, please Google and search for his account details in internet.

3. Asked in forum or join a Facebook groups that is related to your transaction if the seller is genuine or had been involving with fraud before. For Malaysia coin collecting, you can try this group pages Kedai Hantu Duit 2. Look for active pages or groups. Some groups or pages might had been stop active since their admin maybe had been busy.

4. If that seller are selling banknotes, try search the serial numbers of the notes in Google. Some of them just copy and using any pictures they can find online. If they're selling coins, it will be hard to trace but you can try search in Google the coins/sales title.

5. If you're newbies in online buying, always buy a cheaper banknote/coin first. Buying online is not like buying with your coin dealer in Amcorp mall. You cannot get hold of the item. What you see are only pictures.

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Tukar duit lama di BNM?

"Betul ke tukar duit lama di BNM akan dapat harga tinggi dari nilai mata wang tersebut? Sebagai contoh duit RM50 merdeka akan dapat nilai sekali ganda? Ada juga yang kata duit syiling yang sukar dicari pun akan dapat harga yang tinggi kalau tukar kat BNM? Duit kertas RM1 yang ada gambar tugu negara tu boleh tukar kepada duit RM50? Boleh tolong bagi penjelasan?"-Malay

"Is it true that we can change old money at BNM and we will be able to get price higher than the value of the currency? For example, RM50 merdeka, I will be able to get double the value? Some also said that a rare coins will get higher price if we change them at BNM? RM1 with national monument picture can be exchange for RM50 at Bank Negara? Can you help and give explanation?"-English.

I had been receiving many questions about this matters since I start this blog in 2008. I don't know where this rumors come from but it keep on coming in my mailbox. Its just a myth that you can get a high value if you change your old ringgit banknotes or coins at BNM. You can only get face value if you change any kind of money at any bank. BNM (Bank Negara Malaysia) is a body/bank to issue Malaysia currency and safeguarding the value of our currency. They're not business entity who buy and sell currency.

Maybe the rumours came from people who exchange their old money with banknote and coin collectors but not every old money will give you high value. A 1 sen 1971 coin will only get you a value of 1 sen since many collectors don't want to buy them. You can read about Malaysia old coins value here; nilai duit lama Malaysia. For coins that Malaysian collectors consider as a rare coins, you can read this post; Malaysia Rare Coins List. Most of the time, I advice my readers to sell the coins themself if they want a higher price. This is because selling them to coin dealers will only give you at least 50% or lower then market value. You can try sell them online at eBay or Mudah.my, just read my post on How to sell coins.

You can also change your old RM500 or RM1000 at BNM but they will only give you face value. Selling them to a collector will get you a higher price then the face value.

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Where to change old ringgit?

Do you know where to change old ringgit? A friend of mine argue with me, "I heard Bank Negara Malaysia will Interrogate you for hours if you want to exchange your old RM500 or RM1000 banknotes". I don't believe what he said and try to exchange my old notes to experience it myself. BNM statement on 12 September 1998, announced the demonetisation of the RM500 and RM1,000 notes, and they ceased to be legal tender from July 1, 1999. The statement said the volume of both the RM500 and RM1,000 notes in circulation before the move stood at 1,989,479 and 4,523,731 pieces respectively.

After arriving at BNM, I go straight to "Kaunter Penukaran Wang" (BNM Money Exchange Counter) and said I want to change my old RM500 notes to the ladies who work there. He give me the above form and asked me to fill the necessary details. They're nothing much on that form, only the part asking you "why you don't exchange the notes earlier" a little bit interesting. After filing up the form I send it back to the counter. They asked for my Identity Card (kad pengenalan) and told me to wait for a while. 15 minutes later they called me and exchange my old ringgit with 5 pieces of new RM100. There is no interrogation going on as told by my friends.

Question and answer about Malaysia old ringgit exchange at BNM:

Do you get full value of your RM500 or RM1000 notes?

Yes. BNM will give back full value of your banknotes. Some people suggest to change to Money Changers, they only give half of the value of the notes and told you that BNM will never received that banknote since it has been demonetizes.

Where can I change RM500 or RM1000 notes?

You can still change them to a smaller denomination at all Bank Negara Malaysia branches:

(Walk-in Customer Service Centre)
Laman Informasi Nasihat dan Khidmat (LINK)
Ground Floor, D Block,
Jalan Dato' Onn
50480 Kuala Lumpur

Tel : 1-300-88-5465 (1-300-88-LINK)
Fax: 603-2174-1515
E-mail: bnmtelelink@bnm.gov.my
SMS : 15888

Operating Hours: 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. (Monday - Friday)

Bank Negara Malaysia Pulau Pinang
Jalan Corner Light
10200 Pulau Pinang
Tel: 604-262-7125

Bank Negara Malaysia Johor Bahru
Jalan Bukit Timbalan
80000 Johor Bahru
Johor Darul Takzim
Tel: 607-224-0799

Bank Negara Malaysia Kota Kinabalu
Jalan Lapan Belas
88000 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah
Tel: 6088-211-211

Bank Negara Malaysia Kuala Terengganu
Jalan Sultan Mohamad
21100 Kuala Terengganu
Terengganu Darul Iman
Tel: 609-622-0571

Bank Negara Malaysia Kuching
Jalan Satok
93000 Kuching
Sarawak
Tel: 6082-252-311

Why did BNM take the RM500 and RM1000 banknote out of circulation?

BNM has taken out the RM500 and RM1000 notes from circulation and withdrawn their legal tender status (“demonetised”) to complement the exchange control measures introduced in 1998.

Where can I exchange mutilated (duit rosak) banknotes?

You can exchange mutilated Malaysian currency banknotes at any of the six BNM branches namely BNM Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Pinang, Johor Bahru, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. You can read more about it at; Where do you change damage money?

Can I exchange new banknotes and coins at BNM branches?

BNM has stopped the service of exchanging new banknotes and coins since 1997. You can exchange new banknotes and coins at your banking institution (Maybank, CIMB, RHB, Alliance bank).

Can I exchange foreign currencies at BNM?

No. You can exchange foreign currencies at any commercial bank or licensed money changer. BNM won't accept Iraq Dinar, Myanmar Kyat, US Dollars or any other foreign currency.

Can I change counterfeit currency that I received from circulation?

No. counterfeit money don't have any value. You can read more on what to do if you received counterfeit notes; What to do if I found counterfeit notes. Its also an offence to keep and circulate counterfeit money.

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