Malaysia 1 ringgit coin story

Malaysia 1 ringgit coin story started on 1 May 1971 when a 1 ringgit 1971 introduce in Malaysia for the first time. In that year, 2,378,995 pieces of the coin has been approved for circulation, around 500,000 were minted at London Mint, the rest are minted at Kilang Wang Bank Negara in Shah Alam. This first series of Malaysia 1 ringgit have artistic design with hibiscus (Malaysia National Flower) and a dollar ($1) sign on the Obverse. On the Reverse is the Parliament House over a crescent moon with 14 stars. It has a plain edge with a letters -BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA. It has a diameter of 33.5 mm, weight 16.85 g and have Cupro-nickel composition.

Nowadays, many non collector mistakenly think the 1971 1 ringgit as a very rare coin and sell them at a very ridiculous price but actually you can still get that coin for RM15 a piece. For the old big 1 ringgit, most collectors are looking for other years since the approved mintage are very low. Here are Malaysia 1 ringgit copper-nickel mintage for everyone guide:

• 1971: 2,378,995
• 1971: 500 (proof)
• 1980: 472,095
• 1981: 764,795
• 1982: 201,550
• 1984: 355,472
• 1985: 301,583
• 1986: 252,473

On 4 September 1989, a second series of sen coins entered circulation. Bank Negara Malaysia change the design, size and composition of the 1 ringgit coin. The changes include the depiction of items of Malay culture on the obverse, and the inclusion of a Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Malay: Bunga Raya), the national flower of Malaysia, on the upper half of the reverse. The size of the 1 ringgit coin was also reduced from a diameter of 33 mm to 24 mm, and was minted from an alloy of copper, zinc and tin, as opposed to the first series cupronickel. On the reverse is a Keris with a songket background. On the obverse show a hibiscus (bunga raya) with $1 sign, year of mintage and a letters -BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA. The edge of the coin is reeded. Most collectors called this coin as a 1 ringgit bunga raya 'gold' coin.

On 14 November 1993, RM1 coins bearing the symbol “RINGGIT” were introduced, following the adoption of the ringgit as Malaysia’s currency symbol. The new "1 ringgit" coin has confused many people, some were saying that it is a counterfeit and many shop don't want to take that coins. 

Here are Malaysia 1 ringgit Copper-zinc-tin mintage list:

• 1989: 20,409,995
• 1990: 80,101,998
• 1991: 169,000,868
• 1992: 139,041,750
• 1993: 178,893,810 ($1 and 1 ringgit)
• 1994: 36,899,026
• 1995: 132,172,580
• 1996: 59,460,000

They're many counterfeit 1 ringgit "gold" coins in the market, Bank Negara Malaysia has released a guide before on how to check genuine 1 ringgit coins:

• The wordings Bank Negara Malaysia are sharp where the fine lines are clearly defined.
• The symbol either “RINGGIT” or “$” and the numeral “1” are clearly defined.
• The motif of the hibiscus flower is well embossed where the fine lines are clearly defined.
• The design and pattern on the sheath of the Keris on the reverse of the coin is clearly defined.
• The milled edge is clearly defined.

On 7 December 2005, the 1 ringgit coin was demonetised and withdrawn from circulation. This was partly due to problems with standardisation (two different versions of the second series coin were minted) and forgery.

A blogger friend of mine request an article about Malaysia 1 ringgit coin story. He is a Singaporean but love many thing about Malaysia,  remgold from OpEd. He wrote many thing about Malaysia politic nowadays, a good source for non-Malaysian view about what happening in this country.

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Malaysia Parliament building

What building is on the back of Malaysia $1 1971 coin? Its a Malaysia Parliament building complex where the Malaysian Parliament assembles. The building has been on the reverse of Malaysia coins from 1967 until 1988 and design by Geoffrey Colley. The building located at a hill near Jalan Duta, right next to the Malaysian National Monument. It is a 3 stories main building where both Malaysia Houses of Parliament sit and a 17 stories offices. Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Malayan Prime Minister, suggested the construction of the Houses of Parliament in December 1959. The foundation stone for the building was laid by the third Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Syed Putra Al-Haj Ibni Al-Marhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail, on 31 August 1962. The building cost us RM18 million officially opened on 2 November 1963.

Here are some interesting fact and information about the building:

• Parliament House is built on a hill 61m above sea level, and has grounds totalling 16.2 hectares.
• The main block, where both Houses of Parliament (Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara) sit, is three stories high, whereas the tower block is 17 stories high.
• Over one million bricks, 2,000 tons of steel, 54,000 tons of concrete, 200,000 bags of cement and 300 tons of glass were used to construct Parliament House.
• The triangular structure that is the roof structure of the Dewan Rakyat hall has 11 sections, representing the number of states in the then Federation of Malaya.
• Malaysia, including Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore, was only formed on Sept 16, 1963, less than two months before Parliament House was opened.
• The Parliament ground has a Deer Park – there are currently about 30 deer still being housed there.
• The total value of the paintings – of past and present Kings, Prime Ministers and Speakers of both Houses – is approximately RM4mil.
• Parliament has a yearly allocation of RM60mil, but this includes allowances to Members of Parliament, which takes up about 70% of its budget.
• The Royal Steps – only used once a year by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong when officiating the first sitting of Parliament – is covered up with plastic sheets the rest of the time. Apparently there have been cases of cats getting into the building and soiling the carpet.
• The design of the tower block resembles that of a pineapple with beehive-like 'kerawang' or ornamental patterns. This provides a controlled environment for light and heat within.
• There is supposedly a tunnel leading from Parliament House to the Lake Gardens to be used for emergency evacuation. However, its exact location is not disclosed, either on grounds of secrecy or due to disuse.
• The Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara are associated with the colours blue and red respectively, and the carpeting in both houses are so coloured.
• If you want to visit this place, you need to write a letter of application before your visit. You must follow a dress code when you visit this place.

Source: Wikipedia, The Star

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British Borneo Book

Today, I want to share with you an old book written in 1891, BRITISH BORNEO:SKETCHES OF BRUNAI, SARAWAK, LABUAN, AND NORTH BORNEO, by W. H. TREACHER, First Governor of British North Borneo (1881–1887).  It tell the history of British Borneo during his administration as a governor and his personal view about British Borneo (Brunei, Sarawak, Labuan and North Borneo). Relating to coins and currency, he wrote how Brunei has been using a Brass Gun and cannon since 1521. He also share a story about Sultan of Brunei who want to use his own copper coin from Birmingham, the coins don't get a good response by traders and can easily be imitated. That had stop Sultan of Brunei from minting more coins. At that time, the coins are just consider as token. The silver currency during that time are the Mexican, Spanish Dollar and the Japanese Yen, supplemented by the small silver coinage of the Straits Settlements. At that time, British North Borneo Company don't produce Silver coins because they don't get enough profit. The British North Borneo Company issues its own copper coinage, one cent and half-cent pieces, manufactured in Birmingham and of the same intrinsic value as those of Hongkong and the Straits Settlements. The book is a Reprinted from the Journal of the Straits Settlements Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. 

Title: BRITISH BORNEO:SKETCHES OF BRUNAI, SARAWAK, LABUAN, AND NORTH BORNEO
Writer: W. H. TREACHER, C.M.G., M.A. OXON.
Pages: 186
pdf size: 6024kb.

TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER I. PAGES i-n.

THE Hudson's Bay Company's Charter, 1670. British North Borneo Company's Charter, November 1 88 1 , as a territorial power. The example followed by Germany. Borneo the second largest island in the world. Visited by Friar Odoric, 1322, by Berthema, 1503 ; but not generally known until, in 1518 Portuguese, and in 1521 Spanish, expeditions touched there. Report of Pigafetta, the companion of Magellan, who found there a Chinese trading community. Origin of the name Borneo; sometimes known as Kalamantan. Spanish attack on Brunai, 1573. First Dutch connection, 1600 ; first British connection, 1609. Diamonds. Factory established by East India Company at Banjermassin, 1702, expelled by natives. British capture of Manila, 1762, and acquisition of Balambangan, followed by cession of Northern Borneo and part of Palawan. Spanish claims to Borneo abandoned by Protocol, 1885. Factory established at Balambangan, 1771, expelled by Sulus, 1775 ; re-opened 1803 and abandoned the following year. Temporary factory at Brunai. Pepper trade. Settlement of Singapore, 1819. Attracted trade of Borneo, Celebes, &c. Pirates. Brooke acquired Sarawak 1840, the first permanent British possession. Labuan a British Colony, 1846. The Dutch protest. Their possessions in Borneo. Spanish claims. Concessions of territory acquired by Mr. Dent, 187778. The monopolies of the first Europeans ruined trade : better prospect now opening. United States connection with Borneo. Population. Malays, their Mongolian origin. Traces of a Caucasic race, termed

Indonesians. Buludupih legend. Names of aboriginal tribes. Pagans and Mahomedans.

CHAPTER II. PAGES 11-33.

Description of Brunai, the capital, and its river. Not a typical Malayan river. Spanish Catholic Mission. British Consulate. Inche Mahomed. Moses and a former American Consulate. Pigafetta's estimate of population in 1521, 150,000. Present estimate, 12,000. Decay of Brunai since British connection. Life of a Brunai noble ; of the children ; of the women. Modes of acquiring slaves :' forced trade.' Condition of slaves. Character and customs of Brunai Malays. Their religion, gambling, cock-fighting : amoks, marriage. Sultan and ministers and officers of the state. How paid. Feudal rights Ka-rajahan, Kouripnn, Pusaka. Ownership of land. Modes of taxation. Laws. Hajis. Punishments. Executions. A naval officer's mistake. No army, navy, or police, but the people universally armed. Cannon foundries. Brass guns as currency. Dollars and copper coinage. Taxation. Revenue ; tribute from Sarawak and North Borneo ;coal resources.

CHAPTER III. PAGES 33-62.

Pigafetta's description of Brunai in 1521. Elephants. Reception by the King. Use of spirituous liquors. Population. Floating Market. Spoons. Ladies appearing in public. Obeisance. Modes of addressing nobles. The use of yellow confined to the Royal Family. Umbrellas closed when passing the Palace. Nobles only can sit in the stern of a boat. Ceremonies at a Royal reception ; bees-wax candles. Mr. Dalrymple's description of Brunai in 1884. Quakers' meeting. Way to a Malay's heart lies through his pocket. Market place and hideous women. Beauties of the Harems. Present population. Cholera. Exports. Former Chinese pepper plantations. Good water supply. Nobles corrupt ; lower classes not. The late Sultan Mnmim. The present Sultan. Kampongs, or parishes and guilds. Methods of fishing: Kelongs; Rambat; peculiar mode of prawncatching; Serambau ; Pukat ; hook and line ; tuba fishing. Sago. Tobacco ;its growth and use. Areca-nut ; its use and effects. Costumes of men and women. Jewellery. Weapons. The kris ; parang; bliong ; parang Hang, The Kayans imitated by the Dyaks in a curious personal adornment. Canoes :dug-outs; pakerangan ; prahus ; tongkangs ; steering gear; similarity to ancient Vikings' boat ; boat races. Paddling. The Brunais teetotallers and temperate. Business and political negotiations transacted through agents. Time no object. The place of signatures taken by seals or chofs. The great seal of state. Brunais styled by the aborigines, Orang Abai. By religion Mahomedans, but Pagan superstitions cling to them; instances. Traces of Javanese and Hindu influences. A native chronicle of Brunai ; Mahomedanism established about 1478 ; connection of Chinese with Borneo; explanation of the name Kina-balu applied to the highest mountain in the island. Pepper planting by Chinese in former years. Mention of Brunai in Chinese history. Tradition of an expedition by Kublai Khan. The Chinese driven away by misgovernment. Their descendants in the Bundu district. Other traces of Chinese intercourse with Borneo. Their value as immigrants. European expeditions against Brunai. How Rajah Brooke acquired Sarawak amidst the roar of cannon. Brooke's heroic disinterestedness. His appointment as British confidential agent in Borneo. The episode of the murder of Rajah Muda Hassim and his followers. Brunai attacked by Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane. Captain Rodney Mundy follows the Sultan into the jungle. The batteries razed and peace proclaimed.

CHAPTER IV. PAGES 63-77.

Sarawak under the Brooke dynasty. By incorporation of other rivers extends over 40,000 square miles, coast line 380 miles, population 280,000. Limbang annexed by Sarawak. Further extension impossible. The Trusan river ;' trowser wearers'; acquired by Sarawak. The Limbang, the rice pot of Brunai. The Cross flown in the Muhamadan capital by pagan savages. A launch decorated with skulls. Dyak militia, the Sarawak ' Rangers,' and native police force. Peace of Sarawak kept by the people. Cheap government. Absolute Monarchy. Nominated Councils. The 'Civil Service,' 'Residents.' Law, custom, equity and common sense. Slavery abolished. Sources of revenue ' Opium Farm ' monopoly, poll tax, customs, excise, fines and fees. Revenue and expenditure. Early financial straits. Sarawak offered to England, France and Holland. The Borneo Company (Ltd.). Public debt. Advantages of Chinese immigration ' Without the Chinese we can do nothing.' Java an exception. Chinese are good traders, agriculturists, miners, artizans, &c. : sober and law-abiding. Chinese secret societies and faction fights ; death penalty for membership. Insurrection of Chinese, 1857. Chinese pepper and gambier planters. Exports sago and jungle produce. Minerals antimony, cinnabar, coal. Trade agriculture. Description of the capital Kuching. Sir Henry Keppel and Sir James Brooke. Piracy. ' Head money.' Charges against Sir J. Brooke. Recognition of Sarawak by United States and England. British protectorate. Death of Sir J. Brooke. Protestant and Roman Catholic Missions. Bishops MacDougal and Hose. Father Jackson. Mahomedans' conversion not attempted.

CHAPTER V. PAGES 77-84.

Incident of the Limbang rebellion against Sultan of Brunai. Oppression of the nobles. Irregular taxation Chukei basoh batis, bongkar sauh, tulongan, chop bibas, &c. The orang kayas. Repulse of the Tummonggong. Brunai threatened. Intervention of the writer as acting Consul General. Datu Klassi. Meeting broken up on news of attack by Muruts. Sultan's firman eventually accepted. Demonstration by H.M.S. Pegasus. l Cooking heads ' in Brunai river. Death of Sultan Mumim. Conditions of firman not observed by successor. Sir Frederick Weld visits and reports on North Borneo and Brunai. Legitimate extension of Sarawak to be encouraged.

CHAPTER VI. PAGES 84-92.

The Colony of Labuan, ceded to England in return for assistance against pirates. For similar reasons monopoly of pepper trade granted to the East India Company in 1774. First British connection with Labuan in 1775, on expulsion from Balambangan. Belcher and Brooke visit Brunai, 1844, to enquire into alleged detention of an European female. Offer of cession of Labuan. Rajah Muda Hassim. At Sultan's request, British attack Osman, in Marudu Bay, 1845. Brooke recognised as the Queen's agent in Borneo. Captain Mundy, R.N., under Lord Palmerston's instructions, hoists British flag in Labuan, 24th Dec., 1846. Brooke

appointed the first Governor, 1847, being at the same time British representative in Borneo, and independent ruler of Sarawak. His staff of 'Queen's officers' ;concluded present treaty with Brunai ; ceased to be Governor 1851. Sir Hugh Low, Sir J. Pope Hennessy, Sir Henry Bulwer, Sir Charles Lees. Original expectations of the Colony not realized. Description of the island. The Kadayans. Agriculture, timber, trade. Overshadowed by Singapore, Sarawak, and North Borneo. Writer's suggestion for proclaiming British Protectorate over North Borneo,and assigning to it the Government of Labuan, has been adopted. Population of Labuan. Its coal measures and the failure of successive companies to work them ;now being worked by Central Borneo Company (Ltd.). Chinese and natives worked well under Europeans. Revenue and expenditure. Labuan self-supporting since 1860. High-sounding official titles. One officer plays many parts. Labuan celebrated for its fruits, introduced by Sir Hugh Low. Sir Hugh's influence ; instance of, when writer was fired on by Sulus. H.M.S. Frolic on a rock. Captain Buckle, R.N. Dr. Treacher's coco-nut plantation. The Church.

CHAPTER VII. PAGES 92-103.

British North Borneo ; mode of acquisition ; absence of any real native government; oppression of the inland pagans by the coast Muhamadans. Failure of American syndicate's Chinese colonization scheme in 1 865. Colonel Torrey interests Baron Overbeck in the American concessions ; Overbeck interests Sir Alfred Dent, who commissions him to acquire a transfer of the concessions from the Sultans of Brunai and Sulu, 1877-78. The ceded territory known as Sabah. Meaning of the term. Spanish claims on ground of suzerainty over Sulu. Not admitted by the British Government. The writer ordered to protest against Spanish claims to

North Borneo, 1879. Spain renounced claims, by Protocol, 1885. Holland, on ground of the Treaty of 1824, objected to a British settlement in Borneo; also disputed the boundary between Dutch and British Borneo. The writer ' violates Netherland territory and hoists the Company's flag on the south bank of the Siboku, 1883. Annual tribute paid to the Brunai Government. Certain intervening independent rivers still to be acquired. Dent's first settlements at Sandakan, Tampassuk, and Pappar. Messrs. Pryer, Pretyman, Witti, and Everett. Opposition of Datu Bahar at Pappar. Difficult position of the pioneer officers. Respect for Englishmen inspired by Brooke's exploits. Mr. W. H. Read. Mr.Dent forms a ' Provisional Association' pending grant of a Royal Charter, 1881, composed of Sir Rutherford Alcock, A. Dent, R. B. Martin, Admiral Mayne, W. H. Read. Sir Rutherford energetically advocates the scheme from patriotic motives. The British North Borneo Company incorporated by Royal Charter, ist November, 1881; nominal capital two millions, 20 shares. 33,030 shares issued. Powers and conditions of the Charter.

CHAPTER VIII. PAGES 103-117.

Area of British North Borneo exceeds that of Ceylon ; points of similarity ;styled < The New Ceylon.' Joseph Hatton's book. Tobacco planters attracted from Sumatra. Coast-line, harbours, stations. Sandakan town and harbour; founded by Mr. Pryer. Destroyed by fire. Formerly used as a blockade station by Germans trading with Sulu. Capture of the blockade runner Sultana by the Spaniards. Rich virgin soil and fever. Owing to propinquity of Hongkong and Singapore, North Borneo cannot become an emporium for eastern trade. Its mineralogical resources not yet ascertained. Gold, coal, and other minerals known to exist. Gold on the Segama river. Rich in timber. ' Billian ' or ironwood ; camphor. Timber Companies. On board one of Her Majesty's ships billian proved three times as durable as lignum vitse. Mangrove forests. Monotony of tropical scenery. Trade a list of exports. Edible birds'-nests. Description of the great Gomanton birds'-nests caves. Mr Bampfylde. Bats' Guano. Mode of collecting nests. Lady and Miss Brassey visit the Madai caves, 1887. Beche-de-mer, shark fins, cuttle fish. Position of Sandakan on the route between Australia and China importance as a possible naval station. Shipping. Postal arrangements. Coinage. Currency. Banking. Probable cable station.

CHAPTER IX. PAGES 117-127.

Importance of the territory as a field for the cultivation of the fine tobacco used for 'wrappers.' Profits of Sumatra Tobacco Companies. Climate and Soil. Rainfall. Seasons. Dr. Walker. The sacred mountain, Kina-balu. Description of tobacco cultivation. Chinese the most suitable labour for tobacco; difficulty in procuring sufficient coolies. Count Geloes d'Elsloo. Coolies protected by Government. Terms on which land can be acquired. Tobacco export duty. Tobacco grown and universally consumed by the natives. Fibre plants. Government experimental garden. Sappan-wood. Cotton flock.

CHAPTER X. PAGES 127-147.

Erroneous ideas as to the objects of the Company. Difficult to steal Highlanders 'trowsers. Natives ' take no thought for the morrow.' The Company does not engage in trade or agriculture. The Company's capital is a loan to the country, to be repaid with interest as the country developes under its administration. Large area of land to be disposed of without encroaching on native rights. Land sales regulations. Registration of titles. Minerals reserved. Trnnfer from natives to foreigners effected through the Government. Form of Government the Governor, Residents, &c. Laws and Proclamations. The Indian Penal, Criminal, and Civil procedure codes adopted. Slavery provision in the Charter regarding. Slave legislation by the Company. Summary of Mr. Witti's report on the slave system. Messrs. Everett and Fryer's reports. Commander Edwards, R.N., attacks the kidnapping village of Teribas in H.M.S. Kestrel. Slave keeping no longer pays. Religious customs of the natives preserved by the Charter. Employment of natives as Magistrates, &c. Head-hunting. Audit of 'Heads Account.'Human sacrifices. Native punishments for adultery and theft. Causes of scanty population. Absence of powerful warlike tribes. Head hunting its origin. An incident in Labuan. Mr. A. Cook. Mr. Jesse's report on the Muruts to the East India Company. Good qualities of the aborigines. Advice to young officers. The Muhamadans of the coast, the Brunais, Sulus, Bajows. Capture by Bnjows of a boat from an Austrian frigate. Baron esterreicher. Gambling and cattle lifting. The independent intervening rivers. P'atal affray in the Kawang river : death of de Fontaine, Fraser and others. Mr. Little. Mr. Whitehead. Bombardment of Bajow villages by Captain A. K. Hope, R.N., H.M.S. Zephyr. Captain Alington, R.N., in H.M.S. Satellite. The Illanuns and Balinini. Absence of Negritos. The ' tailed' people. Desecration of European graves. Muhamadans' sepulture. Burial customs of the aborigines.

CHAPTER XL PAGES 147-165.

Importance of introducing Chinese into Borneo. Java not an example. Sir Walter Medhurst Commissioner of Chinese immigration. The Hakka Chinese settlers. Sir Spencer St. John on Chinese immigration. The revenue and expenditure of the territory. Zeal of the Company's officers. Armed Sikh and Dyak police. Impossible to raise a native force. Heavy expenditure necessary in the first instance. Carping critics. Cordial support from Sir Cecil Clement! Smith and the Government of the Straits Settlements. Visit of Lord Brassey his article in the 'Nineteenth Century.' Further expenditure for roads, &c., will be necessary. What the Company has done for Borneo. Geographical exploration. Witti and Hatton. The lake struck off the map. Witti's murder. Hatton's accidental death. Admiral Mayne, C.B. The Sumpitan or Blow-pipe. Errors made in opening most colonies, e.g. the Straits Settlements. The future of the country. The climate not unhealthy as a rule. Ladies. Game. No tigers. Crocodiles. The native dog. Pig and deer. Wild cattle. Elephants and Rhinoceros. Bear. Orang-utan. Long-nosed ape. Pheasants. The Company's motto Pergo et perago.

You can download it for free here; British Borneo-sketches of Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan and North Borneo by W.H Treacher-1891

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Malaysia 1st series coin designer

Do you know that they're competition to design Malaysia 1st series of coins in 1966 and in the end, the coin design has not been selected because the designs have animal pictures on them? You can read about it in my old post were I meet Dickson Niew for the first time; I meet Malaysia expert. I read some rumour said that the coin design has been rejected by Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia 1st Prime Minister because he think Parliament is a better design for our 1st Malaysia coins. The story bring us to Malaysia 1st series coin designer, with his coin design start circulating on 12 June 1967 in denominations of 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen & 50 sen.

Almost all Parliament coins have initial GC on the coin reverse, below the Parliament House. Do you know what the initial GC meant? Some newbies mistakenly think that the initial is for "Government Coin" and some think it is Mint Mark but it is exactly an initial for Geoffrey Colley, Malaysia 1st series coin designer. Some of your coin might don't have that the initial GC because of a die error. Just beware, some seller will try to sell this (Parliament coins without GC) at a higher price and tell you it is a rare varieties because it don't have "Mint Mark". It is just a lie for their own profit.

Geoffrey Colley born in Gillenham, UK in 1934 and studied art in Kent and London. He attended the Medway college of Art, Eastgate, Rochester, 1950-55 winning the George Ward Memorial prize and extra year as a deserving student. A further scholarship followed to the Royal Academy School, 1955-58, where he studied under Maurice Lambert, R.A., gaining the Landseer Medal and prize for sculpture. He was elected an Associate of the Royal Society of British sculptors in 1960 and Fellow in 1970. Source: here.

Malaysia trial pattern coin, more info here: Dickson Niew blog.

He has design coin for over 150 designs, among them are Bahrain, Iceland, Iraq, Malaysia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Trinidad & Tobago, and United Arab Emirates. He also is the designer for decimal circulations coins of Malaysia, Nigeria and United Arab Emirates. Among his medallic creations are: Battle of Britain 25th Anniversary; Desert War 25th Anniversary; Albert Einstien; Maiden Voyage of Queen Elizabeth II 1969; 46 General Dwight David Eisenhower; 900th Anniversary of the Norman Conquest 1966; and eight medals honoring the American Revolution.Designs: Aruba O&R/ 10 F. 2002 (com.) KM-24. Bermuda R/ 1 Cr. KM-13, 14. Fiji R/ 1 D. 1970 KM-33.

Some of the pictures of him:

Source: www.worldofcoins.eu

Geoffrey Colley, also listed in a free ebook coin designer list that I posted before. Some of the coins he design don't have his initial because some government maybe don't allowed it. Here are some of the coins design by Mr. Geoff Colley:

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First Proof coin mint in Malaysia

Do you know what is the first proof coin mint by our Malaysia Mint? Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) had released a RM30 Sterling Silver on 26 January 1989 to commemorate BNM 30 years anniversary. The comemorative proof coin produced locally at Malaysia Mint (Kilang Wang BNM) in Shah Alam, making it the First Proof Coin Mint in Malaysia. The coins issued in Proof and non-proof coin. Before this coin has been minted, Malaysia proof coin were minted in UK, Singapore, USA, German and Australia. Only 10,000 pieces of these coins has been produced by Kilang Wang BNM.

The obverse side indicate the denomination, the bank logo and the year 1959-1989 at the top. The words "Bank Negara Malaysia" are along the circumference at the bottom of the coin.The reverse side feature the old and the present Bank Negara Malaysia head office buildings, side by side, the national flag in the background at the top and inscribed at the bottom the theme "Ulang Tahun Ke-30". 

Technical Specifications:
Denomination: RM30
Composition: 92.5% Silver 7.5% Copper
Diameter: 37.79mm
Weight: 22gm
Mintage: 10,000
Mint: Kilang Wang BNM
Box: Yes
Certificate: Yes

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Tan Sri Ali Abul Hassan story

On 7 September 1998, Tan Sri Ali Abul Hassan were appointed as the sixth governor of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). Born in Penang, Ali Abul Hassan served as the director-general of the Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister's Department for seven years until 5 September 1998. He also served as secretary to the National Economic Action Council from September 1998. When he took over as BNM governor, Asian already having a financial crisis. The ringgit were pegged at RM3.80 per USD1 in September 1998. During his tenure, he adopted a proactive and business-friendly policy to revive the economy. His main focus was to improve Malaysia’s economy with specific initiatives to stimulate domestic and foreign investments.

"The national gain from the pegging of the ringgit outweights the private gains," Ali said in NST on 30 March 2000.

On 29 July 1999, BNM announced the consolidation programme for domestic banking sector. The original plan for 55 Malaysia banking institution at that time to merge into 6 anchor banks. The move to get bank in a merger already started in 1980 but has been dismal. The need to merge became imperative when world trade organization giving pressure for countries to open up their financial market to foreign bank. In August 1999, merger of the 6 anchor bank in Malaysia started. The anchor banks were Malayan Banking Bhd, Bank of Commerce (M) Bhd/Bank Bumiputra Malaysia Berhad, Public Bank Bhd, Southern Bank Bhd, Perwira Affin Bank Bhd and Multi-Purpose Bank Berhad. In October 1999 All 58 domestic banking institutions, commercial banks, merchant banks and finance companies have signed a memorandum of understanding with respect to the merger programme. Few months later, BNM  scrapped the ambitious blueprint to merge all of the country's financial institutions into six banking groups. Instead, banks were allowed to choose their own partners in mergers to be completed by December 2000.

Many mistakenly read Tan Sri Ali Abul singnature as BNM Aishah signature.

Tan Sri Ali Abul Hassan retired in 1 May 2000 and was succeeded by Tan Sri Dato Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz. On 17 April 2001, Tan Sri Ali Abul Hassan were appointed as Special economic adviser to Tun Dr. Mahathir.

Source: New Straits Times, The Star.

Malaysia Previous Bank Governors:

• Tan Sri William Howard Wilcock
• Tun Ismail Mohamed Ali
• Tan Sri Dato Abdul Aziz bin Haji Taha
• Tan Sri Ahmad Mohd Don
• Tan Sri Dato' Jaffar bin Hussein
• Tan Sri Ali Abul Hassan

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1793 chain cent sold 1.3M

A 1793 penny known as a "1793 chain cent" sold for a record $1,380,000 by Heritage Auction on 4 January 2012.  The chain cent get its name from the interlocking chain with 15 links on its reverse. It were struck during late February and early March 1793 with only approximately 36,103 pieces minted. The coin was made at the Mint in Philadelphia in 1793, the first year that the U.S. made its own coins. Heritage officials said in a news release that the name of the buyer was not revealed but that he was "a major collector." One of the coin's earliest owners was a well-known Baltimore banker, Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.

During its time, people had been misinterpret the chain with slavery (similar iconography had been utilized on the reverse of the earlier Fugio Cent and Revolutionary War era Continental currency). The chain had been changed with a wreath cent, quickly prepared and approved. Originally, the reverse chain had been intended to symbolize the togetherness of the newly formed Union.

Obverse design

The obverse design consisted of a stylized Liberty head with flowing hair. The inscription "LIBERTY" appeared above the portrait, and the date below. The design was rather sparse and empty compared to those that would come later.

Reverse design

The reverse's central design figure, for which the coin is named, is an interlocking chain with 15 links, representing the 15 American states in existence at that time. Both the words "ONE CENT" and the fraction "1/100" appear within the chain. Along the outer edge is inscribed "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA". On the first working die, the engraver failed to allow adequate room for the entire inscription, and it had to be abbreviated to "UNITED STATES OF AMERI.". These early dies were cut by hand, rather than being made from master hubs as is the practice today.

Source: Wikipedia

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Malaysia 2nd series coins

Malaysia 2nd series coins introduced into circulation on 4 September 1989 with a Malaysian tradition and character design/theme. The coins were designed by Low Yee Kheng (source: Wikipedia, not sure if this is true) and wholly minted by Bank Negara's mint at Shah Alam. Some changes had been done including the inclusion of a Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Malay: Bunga Raya), the national flower of Malaysia, on the upper half of the observe, and the depiction of items of Malay culture on the reverse. Most Malaysian collector refer this coin as a "Bunga Raya Series". Actually, Bank Negara Malaysia released this as a "Cultural Artifact Series".The denominations issued are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 sen and 1 ringgit.

The reverse sides of the six denominations have a common design and feature the national flower, the Bunga Raya (hibiscus flower) in the upper middle part of the coin with the denomination below. The words :BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA are inscribed along the upper circumference with the year of mintage in the lower half.

1 Ringgit-Keris

The Keris ia a traditional Malay dagger, which symbolizes authority and power. It is included as one of the main items of Malaysia's Royal Regalia. Once considered a weapon, it now graces ceremonial occasions and is considered as a work of art. The background design depicts a popular "Songket" motive.

Technical Specifications:
Face Value: 1 ringgit.
Diameter: 24.50 mm.
Weight: 9.30 gm.
Thickness: 2.60 mm.
Composition: Cu:84, Zn:12, Sn:4.
Edge: Milled.
Mint: Kilang Wang, Shah Alam.

50 sen-Wau

Kite Flying is a popular form of Malaysian past time during the windy season especially in the East Coast. It requires much skill, dexterity and experience to make and to fly a kite. Kites are also decorative items, which sometimes grace the walls of Malaysian homes.

Technical Specifications:
Face Value: 50 sen.
Diameter: 27.76 mm.
Weight: 9.33 gm.
Thickness: 2.18 mm.
Composition: Cu:75, Ni:25.
Edge: Incused lettered.
Mint: Kilang Wang, Shah Alam.

20 sen-Tepak Sirih

Tapak sirih, which is intricately carved is used to store betel leaves and its accompanying condiments. They are used during auspicious conditions and is a sign of welcome amongst the Malays.

Technical Specifications:
Face Value: 20 sen.
Diameter: 23.59 mm.
Weight: 5.66 gm.
Thickness: 1.75 mm.
Composition: Cu:75, Ni:25.
Edge: Milled.
Mint: Kilang Wang, Shah Alam.

10 sen-Congkak

The congkak board is used for traditional indoor games, played by children with marbles in the Malay villages. It is carved out of wood and consist of numerous large holes. Played by two persons with numerous variations of the rules, a congkak game is a popular past time. The congkak is placed on a traditional home woven mat in most Malay village homes.

Technical Specifications:
Face Value: 10 sen.
Diameter: 19.40 mm.
Weight: 1.37 gm.
Thickness: 1.75 mm.
Composition: Cu:75, Ni:25.
Edge: Milled.
Mint: Kilang Wang, Shah Alam.

5 sen-Gasing

Top (or gasing) spinning is an entertaining sport amongst the residents of the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is popular during the period when the rice crop is ripening and is believed to bring a good harvest. Top spinning competitions are a fascinating crowd puller, with perfectly balanced tops trying to outspin each other.

Technical Specifications:
Face Value: 5 sen.
Diameter: 16.25 mm.
Weight: 1.41 gm.
Thickness: 1.04 mm.
Composition: Cu:75, Ni:25.
Edge: Milled.
Mint: Kilang Wang, Shah Alam.

1 sen-Rebana Ubi

The Rebana Ubi is a gaily painted single-headed drum made of thick leather securred by a rattan hoop, with thick wooden wedges at the base frame. These are often assembled in groups of five and played during wedding celebrations. The beating of the Rebana Ubi is a popular gesture for welcoming guests.

Technical Specifications:
Face Value: 1 sen.
Diameter: 17.78 mm.
Weight: 1.74 gm.
Thickness: 1.26 mm.
Composition: Copper Clad Steel.
Edge: Plain.
Mint: Kilang Wang, Shah Alam.

In 1993, BNM change the "$1" on 1 ringgit coin to "1 ringgit". On December 7, 2005, the 1 ringgit coin was demonetised and withdrawn from circulation. This was partly due to problems with standardisation (two different versions of the second series coin were minted) and forgery. On November 2007, Bank Negara Malaysia announce that 1 sen coin will start to be discontinued. this is because of the high cost to produce them and with some 4.4 billion minted and 99% have been lost in circulation.

The 1 sen coin is still in legal tender but most seller in this country will not except them. A new rounding mechanism introduced with whereby the total bill amount (including goods and services subject to tax) is rounded upwards or downwards to the nearest multiple of 5 sen. In this regard, total bill amount that ends in 1, 2, 6 and 7 sen will be rounded down while 3, 4, 8 and 9 sen will be rounded up to the nearest multiple of 5 sen.

Malaysia Coins series:

-Malaysia 3rd series coins

You can find more pictures of this coins in my Facebook album: Malaysia 2nd series coins.

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Malaysia 3rd series coins

On 25 July 2011, Bank Negara Malaysia Governor (BNM) Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, released Malaysia 3rd series coins. The new coins will only be introduced into Malaysia circulation from early 2012. A special packaging of 500,000 commemorative coin sets are sold to Public for RM10 per set in all BNM branches. The coins were designed by a Malaysian and wholly minted by Bank Negara's mint at Shah Alam. The new 2012 series of coins are legal tender and will co-circulate with the existing series next year. You can still using Malaysia old coins when the new coins start circulating.

On the obverse, each denomination features a different motif, 14 dots representing the 13 states and the Federal Territory and (with exception in the case of the 50 sen coin) five horizontal lines representing the five principles of the 'Rukun Negara' (national pillars). On the reverse, the new series of coins feature the national flower Rosa-sinensis hibiscus (known as the 'Bunga Raya'), numerals indicating the year of minting, the face value of the coin and the words 'BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA'.

50sen-Sulur Kacang

The 'sulur kacang' (pea tendrils) motif featured on the new 50 sen coin is popular among traditional woodcarvers and silversmiths. The motif is drawn from the graceful twists and curls of long bean vines, and can be seen embellishing fine jewellery pieces and boxes, in addition to decorating doorways, window frames and wood paneling in traditional wooden homes. Fine lines in the motif background are part of the security features.

Security Feature:

Latent Image of the denomination 50 sen ("50" & "sen" word) can be seen when the coin is tilted slightly.

Technical Specifications:
Face Value:50 sen
Alloy: Nickel Brass Clad Copper
Diameter (mm): 22.65
Weight (gram): 5.66

20sen-Bunga Melur

The 'bunga melur' or jasmine flower is culturally significant among the three major races in Malaysia. Its aromatic scent makes it an important part of traditional ceremonies like weddings and prayers. It is also a popular motif in traditional arts and crafts like embroidery and silverwork. On the new 20 sen coin, the jasmine flower is featured with a 'destar siga' cloth motif in the background.

Technical Specifications:
Face Value:20 sen
Alloy: Nickel Brass
Diameter (mm): 20.60
Weight (gram): 4.18

10sen-Orang Asli Motif

The 'orang asli' (aboriginal tribes) of Malaysia are talented in weaving indigenous leaves and plants into decorative items such as headbands, sashes and skirts for traditional rituals and ceremonies. Each tribe have their own weave pattern that is often inspired by their belief system and surrounding environment. On the new 10 sen coin, this heritage is represented by the unique weave pattern of the Mah Meri tribe in Peninsular Malaysia.

Technical Specifications:
Face Value:10 sen
Alloy: Stainless Steel
Diameter (mm): 18.80
Weight (gram): 2.98

5 sen-Destar Siga

The 'destar siga' cloth is an indigenous form of fabric weaving that originates from the Kadazan Dusun tribe in Sabah. Used as a headdress during traditional ceremonies, it is woven mainly from yarns of black thread and accented by multi-coloured threads into various geometric patterns and flora and fauna inspired motifs. On the new 5 sen coin, the 'destar siga' pattern is prominently featured, accompanied by the 'sulur kacang' as a background motif.

Technical Specifications:
Face Value:5 sen
Alloy: Stainless Steel
Diameter (mm): 17.78
Weight (gram): 1.72

Malaysia 3rd series coin Proof?

So far, only Box version Malaysia 3rd series coin have been on sale in Mudah.my and Facebook. The actual item are sold to BNM Staff for RM70 a box but many of them selling it for RM200-RM500. I still hope someone from BNM will reply if any proof coins for the new Malaysia duit syiling will be available for us collectors.

Some bloggers just make an issue about Malaysia new 10 sen design (Orang asli craft design), look like Israel Star of David. It is just a baseless accusation but BNM reply on the issue via its Facebook page that the design is just taken from orang asli craft motive and not even look like Star of David.

These coins are also known as:
-Malaysia new coin.
-Malaysia 2012 coin.
-Malaysia 2011 coin.
-Duit baru Malaysia.
-Syiling baru Malaysia.
-Syiling 2012.

-Duit Malaysia siri 3

-Syiling Malaysia siri 3

You can view more pictures in my Facebook Album; Malaysia 3rd series coins.

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Museum of History Ethnography Melaka

I had been visiting Museum of History, Ethnography & literature Melaka last year. The museum located in the red Stadhuys, at the junction of City Road and Church Street, Malacca. You can see the 'Dutch Square' infront of the building full of tourists all the time. The Dutch Square is Victorian Water Fountain and Tan Beng Seng Clock Tower built in 1886. Stadthuys (" town hall "in Dutch) were built in 1650 as an official settlement of the Dutch Governor and Deputy Governor, in which these structures represent the fine art of Dutch design.

The museum open everyday (including Public Holidays) with a fee of RM5.00 for adults and RM2.00 for Children. It open from 9am until 5.30pm on weekdays and from 9am until 9pm on Saturday & Sunday. Museum of History is located on level two and Museum of Ethnografi is located on level one in the Stadthuys Building. If you love history and looking at old things like me, you have to spend 2 hours to visit this museum.

Museum of History is located at the level of a display of the scene that became the cornerstone of Malaysia's history starts from the opening day of Malacca to the Portuguese colonial era, Dutch, English, Japanese until the country achieved independence. Ethnografi Museum gives special attention to the lifestyle of local communities of diverse races Malay, Chinese, Indian, Baba Nyonya, Chetti and Portuguese. The picture on the marriage customs, way of life, used equipment, musical instruments of choice and cultivated forms of agriculture is the main focus of the museum.

Most of the coins collection are donated by Tony Lye Fong Nge, one of Malaysia Numismatic Celebrity and also author of The collection of Malacca coinage Book. This museum is a must visit place if you ever go to Melaka. You can also visit my new facebook page for more photos: Museum of History Ethnography Melaka.

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Gambar duit syiling Malaysia

Here are gambar duit syiling Malaysia or Malaysia coins pictures for anyone who are looking for pictures or photo of Malaysia coins. I also added duit baru Malaysia (Malaysia new coins) pictures that had been released by BNM (Bank Negara Malaysia) on end of July 2011. Looking at Malaysia coins history (Sejarah duit Malaysia), BNM change Malaysia new coins after over 20 years. In this post, I am sharing Malaysia coin pictures from 1st to the new third series.

Duit Syiling Malaysia Siri Pertama

The first series of sen coins were introduced in 12 June 1967 in denominations of 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, 50 sen, followed by the introduction of the 1 ringgit coin (which continued to use the $ symbol and is the largest coin in the series) in 1 May 1971. The first series coins are also called the Parliament series because of the parliament pictures on the reverse of the coins.

Duit Syiling Malaysia Siri Kedua.

The second series of coin for normal circulation was issued on 4 September 1989. The new design feature Malaysia national flower, the Bunga Raya (hibiscus flower) on the reverse of the coins. On the Obverse, BNM has chosen Malaysia Cultural artifact Keris, Wau, Tepak Sirih, Congkak, Gasing and Rebana Ubi. The second series coins are also known as Bunga Raya series coins.

Duit Syiling Malaysia Siri Ketiga

BNM Governor, Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz released Malaysia 2012 new coins design in end of July 2011. 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. Read More.

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First Floating Commemoration

World’s first floating commemoration to mark the 500th anniversary of the maiden voyage of the Mary Rose revealed by Royal Mint early this month. A replica of the Mary Rose £2 coin was put on the ship resting place in the Solent. The ship was launched in 1511 and sank in 1545 during an engagement with French fleet. The three meter replica coin is a reproduction of the £2 Mary Rose coin released by the Royal Mint earlier this year.

Shane Bissett, the Royal Mint’s Director of Commemorative Coin commented "We produced the Mary Rose coin as a tribute to the world’s only surviving Tudor warship – and hope it serves as a reminder of Britain’s rich heritage as a maritime nation. In our 1,000-year history, we have never ‘floated’ a coin before, but there seemed no better way to celebrate the 500th anniversary of such an iconic vessel. Collaborating with the Mary Rose Trust and the Royal Navy Fleet Diving Squadron to execute the idea at sea was an honor, as we remember our naval past and look to its future."

John Lippiett, Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust said "We are delighted to continue our relationship with the Royal Mint following production of the Mary Rose £2 coin. We have much work to do to secure the future of the ship and we are grateful to everyone who supports our fundraising drive to help us build the new Mary Rose Museum here in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Building work is underway and we plan to open it before the end of 2012. Our hope is that people will send a Mary Rose £2 coin back to us here in Portsmouth to help us achieve our target."

Lieutenant Commander Richard Watson, Chief of Staff at the Royal Navy Fleet Diving Squadron added "Not only does the Mary Rose play an important part in Britain’s military history, but the story of this Tudor warship appeals to naval personnel and civilians alike. We were able to combine some of our training with this task and are proud to help the Royal Mint commemorate the Mary Rose and hope that the new £2 coin helps keep her memory alive."

The Mary Rose £2 gold proof coin will find its way into our change this year. Only 1,511 22 carat gold commemorative coin have been struck, reflecting the year of the Mary Rose’s maiden voyage. The coins have also been struck in sterling silver and pristine, uncirculated versions are available to buy in limited numbers.

Mary Rose £2 Gold Proof Coin

The reverse features an intricately detailed depiction of the Mary Rose that was inspired by the only known contemporary painting of her. It was created by John Bergdahl FRBS who explains: ‘After a trip to the museum currently the home to the Mary Rose, I was immediately inspired by the only acknowledged painting of this iconic vessel – an image that I used as the basis for my design.’

Technical Specification:

Denomination: M

Alloy: 22 Carat Gold

Weight: 15.976 g

Diameter: 28.40 mm

Minted: 1,511 pcs

Source: Royal Mint

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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.

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Most valuable coins in the world

What are the most valuable coins in the world today? This are some collection that most of us will probably don't afford to buy. Don't waste your time asking around where to get this for your collection. The best thing you can get maybe a replica for this coins but don't get cheated by thinking that a seller has sold you a jackpot. For your information, most of the worlds valuable collection come from United States since they're lots of collectors over there. Here are my list of most valuable coins in the worlds:

1. World's most expensive coin: 1794 silver dollar

A 1794 silver dollar owned by Steven L. Contursi. He owned the mint-condition 1794 Liberty dollar for the past seven years. The Neil/Carter/Contrusi 1794 flowing hair dollar, sold for $7.85 million to the Cardinal Collection Educational Foundation of Sunnyvale. The Name "Neil/Carter/Contrusi 1794 flowing hair dollar" came from the previous owner of the coin. The previous record price paid for a coin was $7.59 million for a U.S.-minted 1933 $20 double eagle gold piece, according to the American Numismatic Association.

On the reverse: The dollar coin shows a small eagle perched upon a rock with wings spread and surrounded by laurel branches. Along the border is the motto “United States of America.”
On the edge: Has the words “HUNDERED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT” inscribed with decorations separating the words.

2. The King of Coins-King of Siam 1804 silver dollars minted in 1834

The first 1804 silver dollars minted in 1834 were presented as gifts to Rama III, King of Siam and Said bin Sultan, Sultan of Muscat and Oman. The other five were dispersed under unknown circumstances after Ambassador Edmund Roberts died en route during the voyage. One was retained in the US Mint Coin Collection. In 1842, numismatists first learned of the 1804 dollar through a book displaying an illustration of the 1804 dollar from the Mint Cabinet. These silver dollars are known among numismatists as “original” or Class I 1804 dollars. Eight of these coins are known to exist. One currently resides in the Smithsonian Institution, one is in the American Numismatic Association museum, and the other six are in private collections.

Popular legend states that the rare coin given by King Rama IV of Siam to Anna Leonowens, as seen in the story of “Anna and the King of Siam” and the movie The King and I, was indeed the same 1804 silver dollar produced in 1834 as a gift to Siam. This coin was kept in Anna’s family for several generations, until in the 1950s it was sold by a pair of British ladies claiming to be Anna’s descendants. This coin was displayed as part of the “King of Siam” collection at the Smithsonian Institution in 1983, where it was given the name “the King of Coins.” It was purchased by an anonymous collector in 2001, who purchased the entire set of coins from the King of Siam collection for over $4 million.

3. World's largest gold coin; Royal Canadian Mint Million-dollar coin

Photo by Reuters: It need 3 men's to lift up the coin.

On 3rd May 2007, the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) unveiled a Gold Maple Leaf coin by artist Stanley Witten, with a face value of $1 million Canadian dollar. The weight of the coin is 100 kilograms, and measures 50 cm in diameter by 3 cm thick. In October 2007, the Million Dollar Coin was certified by Guinness World Records to be the world's largest gold coin. . The reverse features an elegant, hand-polished maple leaf design by Royal Canadian Mint artist and senior engraver Stan Witten, and the obverse bears the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by celebrated Canadian portrait artist Susanna Blunt. The coins are both adorned with a maple leaf and boast 99.999 percent purity, a notch above previous purity peaks of 99.99 percent. One of this coin had been auctioned by Vienna auction house, Dorotheum; ORO direct, a Spanish precious metals trading company bought the world's largest gold coin for 3.27 million euros ($4.02 million).

4. Mona Lisa of Rare Coins: 1913 Liberty Head nickel

Photo by Heritage Auctions Gallery

A rare 1913 American nickel five-cent piece also known as The Liberty Head nickel, sometimes referred to as the V nickel due to its reverse design, Recently dubbed "The Mona Lisa of Rare Coins," was sold for more than $3.7 million (2.3 million pounds) in Heritage Auctions Platinum Night. The so-called Liberty Head nickel, one of only five known of that specific date and design, was sold "in spirited bidding" to a private East Coast coin collector in Orlando late on Thursday, said Greg Rohan, president of Dallas, Texas-based Heritage Auctions. The buyer wished to remain anonymous.

5. World's most expensive penny -1943D Lincoln cent

A Lincoln cent struck in the wrong metal at the Denver Mint in 1943, has been sold for a world's record price of $1,700,000 by Legend Numismatics of Lincroft, New Jersey. The buyer is a Southwestern business executive, who wants to remain anonymous. The historic World War II era coin's former owner arranged for the entire proceeds of the sale to be given to a charitable organization. This one of a kind Lincoln cent, mistakenly struck in 1943 at the Denver Mint in bronze rather than the zinc-coated steel used that year to conserve copper for World War II. Most 1943 pennies are steel-gray in color and not worth much more than face value.


6. Worlds most expensive gold dinar-The Umayyad dinar


A specialist auctioneers, Morton & Eden in London, make it in a record book for Worlds most expensive gold dinar and Dirham. The Umayyad dinar, one of the rarest and most highly-prized of all Islamic gold coins, struck possibly to coincide with an occasion when the Caliph himself led the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, sold for a record £3,720,000 in a sale at specialist auctioneers Morton & Eden in London. The Umayyad dinar, dated 105h (723AD) was struck from gold mined at a location owned by the Caliph himself; known on the coins as the “Mine of the Commander of the Faithful”. An additional legend which reads: “bi’l-Hijaz” (“in the Hejaz”), makes it the earliest Islamic coin to mention a location in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Do you have any suggestion for Worlds most valuable coins? Share with us in here.

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