Bank Negara Museum

To all my readers who have been looking for information about Bank Negara Malaysia Money Museum, its already open and located in a new BNM building called Sasana Kijang. The new Bank Negara Museum or Galeri Numismatic is located on the second floor of the visitor building. The building has been open since 15 September this year. I know many of you searching for information about the new museum and end up with an old BNM money museum yellow teaser. Maybe they don't have time to update their website or they don't realize that many people looking for information end up with that 2 years old teaser. You can read about the new Bank Negara Museum at my post; Galeri Numismatik.

The new Money museum already open for public.

Visit time: 10am-6pm. Everyday including Saturday & Sunday.

Parking: LG4 & LG5. (RM3 per entry)

Admission Fee: Free.

You can read Sasana Kijang location post for the maps and guided location.

The Sasana Kijang building house International Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB), an international organisation for the setting of prudential standards for the Islamic Finance and its global development, The SEACEN Centre, a regional learning and research Centre for Central Banks in Asia. In addition to training facilities, offices and conference halls, Sasana Kijang also houses the Bank Negara Malaysia Knowledge Management Centre and the Bank Negara Malaysia's Museum and Art Gallery which is open to the public. The total built-up area of Sasana Kijang is 1.09 million sq.ft.

In Galeri Numismatik, 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. In the gallery, you also get to see almost complete set of Malaysia commemorative coins collection since 1967 and the latest, all the coins are display on a wall.

For more Bank Negara Museum pictures, you can also view them at my Facebook pages at Malaysia Coin Facebook page.

Bank Negara Museum Reviewed by lunaticg on Jan 6 . Many coin collection A must visit place in Malaysia if you're into coin collecting hobbies. It has many malay states coins on display Rating: 5.0

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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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Commemorative coin giveaway

Thank you to everyone who had join my "Duit Lama Giveaway". It still on and will only closed at 12am (gmt +8, Malaysia time), 1 November 2011. Today, I start my 3rd giveaway, "Commemorative coin giveaway". You will have a chance to win a Malaysia 50 tahun FELDA 1 ringgit Coins. Three winners will be chosen using random.org poll system. The contest/Giveaway start today and will end until 12am (gmt +8, Malaysia time), 1 December 2011. All bloggers in this world are invited to join this giveaway. You can write in any language as long as people will understand your writing.

Prize: 3 Malaysia 50 tahun FELDA 1 ringgit Commemorative Coins, sponsored by Niewmismatic Error Coins blog.

Giveaway Terms & Condition:
1. Write a blog post with a title "Lunaticg commemorative coin giveaway" and give a link to this entry/post in your blog posts.
2. You must give a link to my sponsor,  Niewmismatic Error Coins blog in your post.
3. Your blog posts can be written in any language.
4. Tag at least 3 of your blogger friends in your post.
5. Comment in this entry with your written post url/permalink.
6. The contest will end 12am (gmt +8, Malaysia time), 1 December 2011.
7. Anyone with a blog a welcome to join. Only one entry per blog is allowed.

This is a chance for you to get a Free  Malaysia 50 tahun FELDA 1 ringgit Commemorative Coins. Quick, write your post and send your permalink. Good luck to everyone. For Malaysia old coin values, you can check my post; nilai duit lama. If you want to be my giveaway sponsor, email me at lunaticg@gmail.com.

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2011 IACA currency awards winners

International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA) has announced 2011 IACA currency awards winners at the IACA conference in Singapore recently. IACA is an international organization of central banks, currency-issuing authorities, currency producers and suppliers. Bank Negara Malaysia is one of the members of IACA and I hope Malaysia New Banknote next year will have a chance to be nominated in IACA currency awards. The Currency Awards program was designed to promote and recognize the excellence in the industry. Sponsored by Currency News and run by IACA, the awards are open to any organization or individual supplying products, systems or services and anyone can make a nomination for a category.

IACA currency awards winners for 2011:

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winners:

Alex Jarvis, Director, Global Currency for Authentix and former General Manager of the Bank of England Printing Works.

Jaime Pacreu, Ph.d Director General Mexico for Securency and former Director General, Currency Issue for the Banco de Mexico.

Best New Banknote or Banknote Series

Winner: The Bank of Uganda

Finalist: Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Best New Coin or Coin Series

Best New Currency Feature

Winner: Hologram Industries DID® Patch

details: use on the new BSP 500 and 1000 banknotes. Two distinctive colors appear at the direct reflection angle. The Unique DID® features consist in the permutation of the colors when the device is rotated 90°.

Finalist:

Arjowiggins Security Bioguard: a substrate specifically developed for its anti-bacterial properties.

Oberthur Technologies Securicoat: a first level security feature consisting of two UV printed varnishes, matt and glossy, with intaglio embossing.

Best New Currency Innovation, Process or Product Award

Winner: The Hong Kong Monetary Authority's

Details: Three different banknote designers were working independently without access to each other's work, under the close guidance and coordination from HKMA. All 3 new issues have completely different designs but have common security features through all denominations.

Finalist: Giesecke & Devrient, OeBS & Jura.

Best Currency Public Education Program

Winner: The Bank of Canada

Details: they used a very effective video to introduce the upcoming polymer note series. The video showcasing the $100 has helped prepare Canadians for a very different sort of banknote and one that promises to be easy to verify and hard to counterfeit.

Finalist: Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

Best Currency Website

Winner: The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic

Details: www.bancentral.gov.do/english/coins_and_banknotes.asp

Finalist:

National Bank of Romania, www.bnro.ro/Coins-and-notes-in-circulation-1331.asp.

Bank of Botswana,www.bankofbotswana.bw/content/2010031616039-current-notes-and-coin.

Source: http://www.currencyaffairs.org

Bank of Uganda also won IBNS-Banknote of 2010 with their Uganda 50000 shilling.

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World 1st 1 tonne gold coin

Yesterday, Perth Mint announce World 1st, 1 tonne gold coin, 1 tonne Gold Kangaroo coin. The coin measures nearly 80cms wide and more than 12cms deep, weighing a massive 1000 kilograms of 99.99% pure gold, make it the new largest gold coin in the world. Previous holder of the largest gold coin released by Royal Canadian Mint in May 2007, 1 million dollar gold maple leaf coin, only weight at 100 kilos and measures 50 cm in diameter by 3 cm thick. The first 1 tonne gold coin by Perth Mint is certainly the  most valuable gold bullion coin in the world with a market price of gold right now, it has a USD$55 million price tag on it.

The coin reverse shows a bounding red kangaroo surrounded by stylised rays of sunlight and bordered by the inscription AUSTRALIAN KANGAROO 1 TONNE 9999 GOLD and the year-date 2012.

The coin obverse of the coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by the inscriptions ELIZABETH II, AUSTRALIA and the monetary denomination of 1 MILLION DOLLARS.

Here are behind the scene video's for the Australian Kangaroo One Tonne Coin:

Perth Mint also share a new websites to promote their new 1 tonne coin, visit 1tonnegoldcoin.com or youtube.com/user/perthmintbullion for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage. You can also view the Australian Kangaroo One Tonne Coin at Burswood Entertainment Complex until Sunday 30 October 2011. The coin also has Australian legal tender status. You can contact Perth Mint Bullion for this item sale, read my post; Perth Mint Bullion.

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Malaysia new banknote printer reveal

If any of you read news today, you might already know that Malaysia new banknote printer reveal at Dewan Rakyat today. To every Malaysian who still don't know, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will announce a new fourth series of the ringgit banknotes in the near future and already announce Malaysia 3rd series coins on 25 July 2011. BNM decided to issue the the new third series of the Malaysian coins and the fourth series of the ringgit banknotes with improved security features to overcome counterfeiting.

Here are the news reported by Bernama:

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai told the Dewan Rakyat the move would help Bank Negara Malaysia to reduce the cost of producing the new coins by 49% a year through the use of base metals and other technical specifications.

"The appointment of suppliers for the new series of Malaysian coins and banknotes is made through an open tender," he said in response to a question by Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut) who wanted to know the government's rationale in producing the new series of the Malaysian coins and banknotes.

He said all the contracts for the supply of the new series of Malaysian coins and banknotes had been tendered to international companies of high reputation and credibility.

"The supplier which has been selected to supply the coins is Poogsan Corporation, South Korea, and the coins are minted at the Bank Negara Malaysia mint in Shah Alam.

"The suppliers for the new series Malaysian banknotes are Crane AB, Sweden; Giesecke & Devrient GmbH, Germany; Oberthur Technologies, France, and Orell Fussli, Switzerland," Donald added.

Malaysia new banknote printer will be Crane AB, Sweden; Giesecke & Devrient GmbH, Germany; Oberthur Technologies, France, and Orell Fussli, Switzerland. I think that will stop the rumours about Malaysia new banknote turn plastic next year. We hope to hear a good news by early November.

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Happy Deepavali

-Happy Deepavali-

-தீபாவளி நல்வாழத்துக்கள்-

-शुभ् दीपावली-

Again, I want to wish Happy Deepavali to all my Hindu's readers wherever you're. May the festival of lights bring peace, joy, happiness and prosperity to all. May the lights of this festival dispel darkness everywhere and illumine our intellect. I know at this moment, many of you are busy going to temple and preparing for deepavali celebration at your home. I wish Happy Diwali last week with a special deepavali coin. Deepavali wishes and greeting between Malaysian should be continued in the future.

If you're looking for "Open House List", The Star Newspaper publish a very good list.

Again, I want to wish everyone,

Happy Deepavali
தீபாவளி நல்வாழத்துக்கள்
शुभ् दीपावली

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Spirit of Haida Gwaii gold coin

Yestreday, Royal Canadian Mint's has released a ultra-high relief creation, the world's first 10 kilo coin crafted of 99.999% pure gold, Spirit of Haida Gwaii gold coin. The coin  has been dedicated to Bill Reid's The Spirit of Haida Gwaii; one of the most celebrated masterpieces of Canadian art. This first-ever Canadian coin to bear a $100,000 face value was unveiled at the Bill Reid Gallery for Northwest Coast Art in Vancouver, British Columbia by Mr. James B. Love, Chair of the Royal Canadian Mint's Board of Directors and Dr. Martine Reid, Ph.D., Director of Research and Content at the Bill Reid Gallery.

The powerful image of The Spirit of Haida Gwaii was captured on the Mint's first 10-kilo gold coin by now retired Mint Master Engraver Cosme Saffioti. Inspired by the imposing scale of Bill Reid's masterpiece, he manually engraved a faithful recreation, using traditional techniques, to an ultra-high relief rarely achieved in the world of coin making. The result is a meticulously detailed sculpture of 99.999% pure gold, honouring the original in a spectacular new form. This extraordinary coin was struck at the Mint's Ottawa facility, using the same 2,500 tonne press from which the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games athlete medals were produced.

No more than 15 of these exclusive coins will be crafted for collectors of both fine art and of the finest gold in the world. Its price is a combination of the gold market rate at the time of purchase, plus a premium for its manufacturing and very limited mintage.

The engraving of Bill Reid's masterpiece appearing on the reverse of this coin is beautifully highlighted in a proof finish, contrasting the sculpture's image in a satin finish set against a brilliant, mirror-like background. The obverse of the coin, also finished in proof quality, features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II created by portrait artist Susanna Blunt in 2003.

In 1985, Vancouver architect Arthur Erickson commissioned Bill Reid to produce a sculpture for the new Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. The result was The Spirit of Haida Gwaii: The Black Canoe, which is cast in bronze and represents Reid's largest and most complex sculpture standing almost four metres in height and weighing 4,900 kilos. A second casting, named The Jade Canoe, graces the terminal of the Vancouver International Airport, while the original plaster pattern of the monument is displayed at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec.

On public display at the Mint's downtown Vancouver boutique on October 22 and 23 2011, The Spirit of Haida Gwaii 10-kilo pure gold collector coin is available directly from the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada or at 1-800-268-6468 in the US. Interested buyers may also inquire about this coin at the Royal Canadian Mint's boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver. More information is available at www.mint.ca/10kilo.

THE SPIRIT OF HAIDA GWAII 10-KILO 99.999% PURE GOLD COIN

The Spirit of Haida Gwaii pure gold coin is the world's first 10-kilo gold coin of 99.999% purity. Its $100,000 face value makes it the world's highest denomination 10-kilo gold coin and highest denomination non-circulation numismatic coin. It is the second-highest denomination coin ever produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, which produced a 100-kg gold bullion coin of 99.999% purity at $1,000,000 face value in 2007.

The coin's massive size (180 mm diameter) is fittingly complemented by the image of Bill Reid's monumental sculpture featured on its reverse. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, by Susanna Blunt.

Technical Specifications:

Composition: 99.999% gold

Weight (g): 10,000

Diameter (mm): 180

Edge: Serrated

Finish: Proof

Face Value: 100,000 dollars

Mintage: Made-to-order with a maximum of 15 coins

Artist: Bill Reid (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)

Engraver: Cosme Saffioti

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Top 20 Malaysia Facebook Trusted Sellers

Nowadays, many Malaysian like to buy item via Facebook. Maybe because it is easy since they can chat with their friends online if they find a very good bargain in Facebook and their friend can just go check it out. Do you know that my blog is in Facebook to? Just go to facebook.com/malaysiacoin and like my page. Feel free to add suggestion or your question in there. I am also on Twitter at twitter.com/malaysiacoin. At the moment, I already have over 3.5K followers. It will save you time to know if there is new update in my blog.

I gather this Malaysia Facebook Trusted Sellers because of the trend right now in Malaysia. Trusted means no issue with buyer (fake item, item don't received etc) when I read or found them in Facebook before I make this post. I had been adding most of them for over 2 months and almost all of their buyers are happy with their item. This is not related to seller rating or their grading skill. Thank you for my Facebook friends GsK CoinNotes and Mohd Nizar Kamal for suggesting some sellers whom they trust.

Most of these sellers are small time traders but some of them do have shop. Just add them in Facebook and look on their wall for any item on sale or go to their photos collection and look for item on sale album. The top 2 sellers give a very reasonable price that I think other sellers cannot give to you. Most of them only sale in Malaysia but you can asked them yourself if they can send item oversea.

(Update 2.12.2011; this list based on Facebook poll November 2011)

Top 20 Malaysia Facebook Trusted Sellers-Numismatic:

1. Name: Puteriana Puteri

URL: http://www.facebook.com/puteriana.puteri

State: Kuala Lumpur.

2. Name: Uptown Bank Note

URL: http://www.facebook.com/uptownbank.note

State: Selangor

3. Name: Mohd Rozaiham Zam

URL: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000925243126

State: Kedah

4. Name: Pannir Selvam

URL: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000511082904

State: Johor.

5. Name: Zam SimpanKemas

URL: http://www.facebook.com/november.night

State: Pahang

6. Name: JM Collections

URL: http://www.facebook.com/jm.collections

State: Melaka

7.  Name: Nor Azri
URL: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1749540278
State: Perak

8. Name: EdgardoKennedy KuaAralas

URL: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1323895600

State: Sarawak

9. Name: Galeri Yat

URL: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001952564299

State: Melaka

10. Name: Gsk CoinNotes

URL: http://www.facebook.com/gskcoinnotes

State: Perak, Selangor

11. Name: Anjung Numismatik

URL: http://www.facebook.com/anjungnumis

State: Johor

12. Name: Danny Banknotes

URL: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001595317712

State: Sabah

13. Nadya Didy

URL: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000300892044

State: Johor

14. Name: Angah Manja

URL: http://www.facebook.com/KamisahSaliminTomokario

State: Labuan

15. Name: Izuan Saidi

URL: http://www.facebook.com/izuansaidi

State: Perak

16. Name: Dickson Niew

URL: http://www.facebook.com/Dicksonniew

State: Selangor

17. Name: Syazmel Rozani

URL: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000831169595

State: Perlis

18. Lim Chee Choong

URL: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Malaysia-Old-Currency-Note-Coin/280266885322279

State: Kedah

19. John Lemmon

URL: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1683174573

State: Perak

20. Name: Muhammad Syazni

URL: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000903155648

State: Johor.

Feel free to email me at lunaticg@gmail.com if you find any of these sellers have a bad sale reputation online.  I am also trying to make a draft for Malaysia mudah.my and eBay.my trusted sellers in the future.

Thank you for reading this.

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UK 2012 Gold Sovereign

Royal Mint UK has released UK 2012 Gold Sovereign. The 22 Carat Gold coin weight at 7.988 gram will have a maximum Coin Mintage of 8,144 pieces. A new reverse design had been created to celebrate for the 2012 Sovereigns, Only the fourth time that the Sovereign design has changed in the Queen's reign. Th reverse designed by Paul Day, from a number of designs put in front of the Royal Mint Advisory Committee as a result of a design competition including a total of five designers.

The reverse of the 2012 sovereign coin shows a ferocious dragon being despatched by a knight in Gothic armour.  The obverse of the new coin will feature the acclaimed portrait of The Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS that has graced UK coins since 1998.

"I have chosen to opt for a Romantic version of the St George and the dragon theme - a medieval knight of Arthurian legend rather than a classical hero. I have given the dragon a more threatening attitude and size, so that it represents a real menace and not a weak foe," Paul said.

Each Sovereign has been minted to the exact weight and diameter of the first modern Sovereign of 1817. It is housed in a deluxe presentation case and comes with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing the coin’s weight, diameter, gold content and limited edition presentation of just 5,500.

The gold Sovereign is without doubt one of Britain’s most famous coins: a coin so rich in history, it’s considered by many as the flagship coin of the Royal Mint, and synonymous with Britain herself. The traditional St George and dragon design by Benedetto Pistrucci is replaced only on special occasions. The Queen’s historic Diamond Jubilee is such an event, so the 2012 Sovereign features a brand new design for one year only. The Royal Mint ran a limited competition, inviting five artists to create a fresh interpretation of St George and the dragon.

Technical Specification

Denomination: N/A
Alloy: 22 Carat Gold
Weight: 7.988 g
Diameter: 22.05 mm
Designer (Reverse): Paul Day
Maximum Coin Mintage: 8,144

For enquiries and coin orders, you can visit Royal Mint at www.royalmint.com

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Happy Diwali

-Happy Diwali-

-शुभ दीपावली-

-Happy Deepavali-

wishes to all my readers who celebrate. May the festival of lights bring joy and prosperity for you. I know the celebration still 7 days away but early wishes don't hurt, right? May the lamps of joy, illuminate your life and fill your days with the bright sparkles of peace, mirth and goodwill. Best wishes on Diwali and Happy new year. If you're wondering which country produced the deepavali coins in this post, its actually only a fantasy coins done by me using some photo software.

This year deepavali celebration in Malaysia will be held on 26 October 2011, an official holiday in Malaysia. Most Indian shop in Klang valley are full with people buying items, foods and accessories for diwali. Diwali or Deepavali, popularly known as the "festival of lights", is an important festival in Hinduism. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. In Malaysia, every race and religion share the happy moment of deepavali together and visiting their neighbour, friend and families who celebrate deepavali.

Once again, I want to wish everyone:

Happy Diwali

शुभ दीपावली

Happy Deepavali

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Orang Utan Silver Proof Coin

Perth Mint on behalf of Coin Club Australia has released Orang Utan Silver Proof Coin from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality. To any of you who did not know, Orang utan is characterized by its ape-like shape, shaggy red fur, long arms and grasping hands and feet. This ‘man of the forest’ is now only found on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra in south-east Asia. Only 5,000 pieces of this Wildlife in need coin series will be minted for worldwide shipment issued with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Each coin is housed in a display case with illustrated shipper.

The coin’s reverse features an adult Orangutan and baby in colour, against a forest backdrop. The lower reverse comprises a struck design showing a pair of supporting hands with a bamboo motif. The inscription WILDLIFE IN NEED – ORANGUTAN is also incorporated into the design.

Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu, the coin’s obverse depicts the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2012 year-date.

Technical Specification:
Silver Content (Troy oz) 1
Monetary Denomination (AUD) 1
Fineness (% purity) 99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g) 31.135
Maximum Diameter (mm) 40.60
Maximum Thickness (mm) 4.00

For enquiries and coin orders, you can visit Perth Mint at http://www.perthmint.com.au/

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No new RM50 for 2011

If you're looking for information about Malaysia new banknote, no new RM50 for 2011. I don't know where people get that information but I had seen they're over a dozen readers coming into my blog daily with the keywords "RM50 2011" and "New RM50". When I check around, they're announcement about this by BNM in Facebook. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) via its official Facebook page has announced that there is no new RM50 banknotes for the upcoming new Malaysia notes. The current RM50 banknote released in July 2009 will still be our RM50 notes for next year.

Picture: RM50 gold line on sale by Dickson Niew

About the new Malaysia banknote series, BNM still had not announce anything. In their last press statement about the new Malaysia coins, they will announce the new fourth series banknote design in the third quarter of 2011. We are in October, fourth quarter of 2011 but they're still no new news about it. BNM had reply in their Facebook pages that it will be released in October but still no official release date. Many banknote collector are waiting eagerly for the new notes announcement especially for the last prefix banknote collector. I know most of you check BNM website almost daily for the news.

BNM also don't reply if they will release any special commemorative banknotes for the new fourth series banknote. I think almost all collectors agree that BNM should announce everything early if they're new commemorative coin and banknote released since most collector want to get their collection at BNM themself. Buying from a third party will make the price go slightly higher then the release price. Hopefully BNM will consider this in their future announcement of Malaysia comemorative.

Again, sorry to share with everyone, they will not be a new RM50 for 2012.

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Australia $5 Queen's visit coins

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II will be visiting Australia starting tomorrow until 29 October 2011 to open a 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Canberra. The Royal Australian Mint has released a 2011 $5 Queen's visit commemorative coins. The coin features sixteen St Edward's Crowns, representing each time Her Majesty has visited Australia. It was designed by Mr Wojciech Pietranik, one of the Mint's most celebrated coin designers. The commemorative coins was launched by the Assistant Treasurer, Hon Bill Shorten on Monday.

The design has been approved by Her Majesty the Queen herself and will be packaged in a styled presentation card well suited to the occasion. The 2011 Queen's Visit $5 coin, retailing at AUD$20, is available now through the Royal Australian Mint, as is a special rolled CHOGM 2011 $1 coin product. The regal styled presentation card also includes a special pocket to add the CHOGM 2011 circulating commemorative $1 coin. Although it looks like gold, the coin is made of an aluminium, zinc and bronze mix.

Technical Specification:

Denomination: $5

Metal: Al/Zn/Bronze

Mass: 20.00g

Diameter: 38.74mm

Finish: Uncirculated

Mintage: Unlimited

Designer: W. Pietranik

For enquiries and coin orders, you can visit Royal Australian Mint at http://www.ramint.gov.au/

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Bhutan Royal Wedding Coin

Bhutan's King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has married with his childhood sweetheart and India-educated commoner Jetsun Pema on 13 October 2011. The Royal Wedding of His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty the Queen Jetsun Pema is one of Bhutan's most anticipated event. Thousands of people have gathered in Bhutan's capital Thimphu to catch a glimpse of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his new queen after an elaborate wedding ceremony earlier this week. On Sunday, I check if the Bhutan Royal Wedding Coin still available, look like the" Bhutan Royal Wedding 1oz 999 Fine Silver Proof Colour Coin" has been sold out.

The Singapore Mint is the official Mint for the Bhutan Royal Wedding Commemorative Coins. The exclusive coins bear the portrait of the esteemed Royal Couple on the obverse and the logo of the Royal Wedding is featured on the reverse. The Royal Wedding Logo embodies the symbolic Khorlo (Wheel), signifying the Royalty; Two Circles with the Dhar (Ceremonial Scarf) signifying the Eternal Union of Thap (Method) and Sherab (Wisdom) and the Dham Tshig Tsangma and Lotus, symbolising the Purity of the Union. The Singapore Mint also produce two specially minted one-kilogramme coins as a Royal Wedding Coin Gift.

Specifications

Mintage: 20, 000 pc(s)

Issue Date: 01-Nov-2011

Diameter (mm): 40.70

Weight (g): 31.10

Material: 999 Fine Silver

Price: S$180.00

The coins sold by The Singapore Mint. For enquiries and coin orders, the public can contact The Singapore Mint at 6566 2626 / 6895 0288 / 6222 2486 / 6238 9890 or www.singaporemint.com.

PS: This coin has been sold out since the 1st day of it release.

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Santa Claus Christmas 2011 coin

Christmas day is still few months away but I know most of you are already looking for a nice Christmas gift. Royal Canadian Mint has released a new coin Santa Claus Christmas 2011 coin; 50-Cent Holiday Coin-Gift from Santa (2011). The Mint don't announce how much of the coin has been minted, only show "While Supplies Last" in this coin mintage information. This Copper plated steel coins is the fifth issue in Royal Canadian Mint annual series of Holiday lenticular coins. It has a bright colors and 2-image lenticular design: Santa point the globe to his next stop and see him fly to deliver gifts.

Coin is encapsulated and presented in a maroon clamshell case lined with flock and protected by a black sleeve. Tilt the coin to reveal Santa in his flying sleigh! It’s a captivating effect created by this coin’s unique lenticular technology that’s bursting with vibrant colour.

Technical Specification:

Mintage:  While Supplies Last

Composition: copper plated steel

Finish: brilliant (with lenticular and colour on the reverse), specimen (obverse)

Weight: (g) 12.61

Diameter: (mm) 35

Edge: plain

Certificate: non-serialized

Face value: 50 cents

Artist: n/a

Price: USD26.67

For enquiries and coin orders, you can visit Royal Canadian Mint at http://www.mint.ca/

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Malaysia numismatic blog directories

Congratulations to all my Facebook friends Muhammad Saiful Nizam, Muhammad Syazni and blogger, simpankemas.blogspot for their effort to compile all Malaysian Numismatic blogs in one list. When I start blogging in 2008, they're only around 10 Malaysian bloggers who talk about coins and banknotes. Most of the 2008 bloggers had been stop blogging but new numismatic bloggers emerge every month. Most of the new bloggers only share their collection online.

This team had compile "Malaysia numismatic blog directories" in their blog with 60 blogs when I wrote this post. But only around 20 blogs which are active weekly or with a new post at least once a week. They also had put into compilation 18 Facebook pages related to Malaysia Numismatic. What I like the most about their effort is a table of Malaysia banknote replacement, first prefix, last prefix, printer and variety, all Malaysia ringgit denomination from RM1 to RM1000 are put in a list. Its very easy for newbies to look at the list and learn about Malaysia banknote prefix.

You should check their blog at The Official Malaysia Numismatic directory (http://malaysian-numis.blogspot.com/)-The link has been removed by their author, sorry.. You can shout in their chat box if you want your blog to be included in their list. I know they're many other new Malaysian blog out there who talk about Malaysia numismatic. But a suggestion to a new blogger, don't just share your collection online, you should share information too. Many blogger had been stop blogging when they're no people reading their blog. Most of them share the same mistake, lack of information that can bring readers to their blog.

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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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Singapore Native Orchids Coins 2011

Yesterday, The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) launched Singapore Native Orchids Coins 2011. The 2011 Native Orchids of Singapore Coins feature two native orchids – Grammatophyllum speciosum and Cymbidium finlaysonianum. Each coin weighs 1 troy ounce, has a face value of SGD$5 and a diameter of 40.70mm. Only 10,000 pieces minted for worldwide distribution and will only be issued on 12 November 2011. These coins are the first in a new series that celebrates the beauty of over 200 species of orchids that once thrived in Singapore. Only a small fraction survive in our forests today.

Each coin boasts a distinctive feature, where it is semi-rimless at the bottom right of the coin. The obverse of the coin bears the Singapore Arms with the year 2011. The coins will be featured at the opening preview of the 20th World Orchid Conference, which will be held in Singapore from 13 to 20 November 2011. The coins can be purchased individually or as a coin set.

The details are as follows:

a) Native Orchids of Singapore 2-in-1 Coin Set

This coin set comprises two pieces of 999 Fine Silver Proof coins with colour application. Each coin weighs 1 troy ounce, has a face value of $5 and a diameter of 40.70mm. Each set is accompanied by two certificates of authenticity with the same serial number.

b) Grammatophyllum speciosum 999 Fine Silver Proof Colour Coin

This is the world’s largest orchid plant. A fully mature plant can weigh over a ton. It produces inflorescences that can be longer than two metres, bearing over 30 flowers. The flowers are uniquely coloured and resemble the coat of a tiger, hence its common name, Tiger Orchid.

The Tiger Orchid is one of the first native orchid species re-introduced under the Singapore Botanic Garden’s Orchid Conservation Programme.

Specifications:

Issue Date: 12-Nov-2011

Face value: $5

Diameter (mm): 40.70

Weight (g): 62.21

Material: 999 Fine Silver

Mintage: 10,000

c) Cymbidium finlaysonianum 999 Fine Silver Proof Colour Coin

This species produces pendulous inflorescences of flowers that are of an unusual olive colour complemented by an intense purple lip with a yellow tinge. Its narrow leaves are thick and leathery, growing up to 75cm in length and 4cm in width.

This orchid is another example of a native orchid species that has been successfully re-introduced into our urban landscape through the Orchid Conservation Programme.

Specifications:

Issue Date: 12-Nov-2011

Face value: $5

Diameter (mm): 40.70

Weight (g): 62.21

Material: 999 Fine Silver

Mintage: 10,000

Retail Price: S$300.00

The coins will be sold by The Singapore Mint. For enquiries and coin orders, the public can contact The Singapore Mint at 6566 2626 / 6895 0288 / 6222 2486 / 6238 9890 or www.singaporemint.com.

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1976 1 sen now RM3600

Do you know that 1976 1 sen now RM3600? For any of you who had been following my blog and read my post about Malaysia Numismatic Society Auction 149, its an old news but for a newbies its a shocking news. Many of them believe that it is the normal 1976 1 sen coin that has a high value among collectors. One reader even argue with me that I am not telling the truth about its value. He pay RM50 a piece from a collector who sell him 2 pieces of the normal  copper clad steel coins last year. For anyone who still doesn't know, 1976 1 sen copper don't attracted by magnet, you can test it before you buy them. But for RM50, something wrong some ways.

In a recent Malaysia Numismatic Society Auction held on 26 September 2011 at Malaysia National Museum, Kuala Lumpur, a record has been made. The auction price goes up to RM3,600 (USD1150) with a reserve price of RM1,000. Its like a battle of mens fighting for a women that they adore and like. The recent Mavin International Auction, Singapore on 16 July 2011, 1 sen 1976 copper has been closed at a high price, SGD1,400 (excluding tax and commision). In Steven Tan catalog, he wrote only 100 pieces of this coins known to exist in circulation or in collectors hand. For the normal 1 sen copper-clad steel, 27,406,103 pieces are in circulation. Do your own math, how high the probability of you find this coins?

Malaysia error coins don't have a high value like what we can see in the US yet. Probably one day you can see this kind of rare and error coin prices goes up to million ringgit. But for now, RM3600 is a history and if you look at the probability of you finding the coin, that price is still very cheap. For newbies collector, you can dream of having this coin in your collection. In the recent MNS auction, I can see many collector try to touch the coins/touch and look at them, "Kalau tak dapat simpan, pegang pun jadilah" (If I cannot own it, touching it will be enough) habits. 1 sen 1976 copper will be dream for most Malaysia coin collector. How to detect 1976 1 sen copper.

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2012 Queen Diamond Jubilee Gold Coin

Royal Canadian Mint is pleased to introduce a grand tribute to the occasion by being the first mint in the world to issue a coin integrating a genuine diamond; 2012 Queen Diamond Jubilee Gold Coin. Using a proprietary process, a certified Canadian diamond is locked inside the coin's rim as the coin itself is struck. This allows the proud owner of this innovative coin to admire the diamond's brilliance on either side of a coin fashioned of 99.999% pure gold; the purest of its kind in the world. Each of these coins, which are limited to 1,500 examples world-wide, is accompanied by a serialized certificate confirming the diamond's authenticity, weight and clarity. This exclusive new coin with a $300 face value retails for $1,999.95 CAD.

The reverse of this coin depicts a portrait by Canadian artist Laurie McGaw, of a young Queen Elizabeth II, with her hand outstretched as if to touch the genuine Canadian diamond symbolizing her sixty-year reign. The obverse design is the work of British Columbia portrait artist Susanna Blunt, who designed the effigy of Her Majesty which has appeared on Canadian coins since 2003 and was introduced in celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

Coin is encapsulated and presented in a themed wooden collector box and beauty box featuring the official Diamond Jubilee Emblem to commemorate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

2012 $300 PURE GOLD COIN – THE QUEEN'S DIAMOND JUBILEE 1952-2012(WITH CANADIAN DIAMOND)

Technical Specification:
Mintage: Limited to 1500 coins worldwide
Composition: 99.999% pure gold
Finish: proof
Weight: (g) 22.0
Diameter: (mm) 25
Edge: serrated
Certificate: serialized
Face value: 300 dollars
Artist: Laurie McGaw (reverse) , Susanna Blunt (obverse)

You can visit Royal Canadian Mint website at http://www.mint.ca/ to place your orders.

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Uptown Shah Alam

Today, I just had a visit to Uptown Shah Alam. For any of you who don't know, its also known as Kompleks Muhibbah Shah Alam. The place located at Seksyen 24 Shah Alam. For any of you who don't know where is the exact place, the best way is going there using KESAS (Shah Alam Highway) and enter LKSA ( Lebuhraya Kemuning-Shah Alam), just look for Kompleks Muhibbah Shah Alam after you pay your toll. The place open from 8pm until 3am everyday but most of the shop in that place only open at 9.30pm. I suggest you come early at around 8pm if you go on weekend because it will be hard to find parking after 9pm.

(Please click for larger maps view)

The only shop that make me interested to make a visit to that place is Uptown Banknote & Coin Collection own by Che'Lee. I had been his friends in Facebook for many months and had seen him posting his collection online since then. On my visit today, Che'Lee just open his shop and not many people around. After 10 minutes, people start coming to his shop nonstop. But most of them just a curious onlookers who never seen old Malaysia coins and banknotes. During my visit that day, Che'Lee collection mostly Malaysia coins and banknotes including Straits Settlements, Malaya British Borneo. He also display some foreign banknotes, Coke-Cola Bottles & accessories, Rayban & accessories and also some Malaysia banknotes in a frame complete with a small description of the notes. All the notes in that frame are in Uncirculated condition.

Che Lee: The only coin and banknote seller in Uptown Shah Alam.

Uptown Banknote & Coin Collection

Address: Lot 36, Blok B. Kompleks Muhibbah, Seksyen 24, Shah Alam.

Tel: +60-142364828 (better called him before you make a visit)

email: cheely08@gmail.com

Why do I suggest you to come as early as 8pm? Uptown Shah Alam also have many eating places/stall that you can visit. You can eat Thai, Malay or Indonesian food in here. Nasi lemak, Soto, Bakso, Steambot, Otak-otak, Satar and many more Malaysian food waiting for you in here. I heard that the Uptown Steambot is famous among food lover but sadly I am already full to try them today, maybe next time.

Like many other flea market in this country, you can find many things in Uptown Shah Alam. You can find men clothes, women clothes, shoes, handbag, toys, camping and survival gears, pets shops and 2nd hand clothes (bundle). If you're a fan of Levis Bundle, you can find many bundle shop selling Levis in here. Just make sure you come/stay at this place after 10pm since at that time, most shop already open and ready for visit. They also have live bands to entertain visitor that coming to visit.

More pictures in my Facebook Album: Uptown Shah Alam.

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