Will BNM Mint new 2013 coin commemorative?

A question that most Malaysian collectors are waiting for an answer every year will Bank Negara Malaysia mint a new commemorative coin for 2013? Most of my friends asked me this question in the early January, my answer to them and to everyone, I am not Bank Negara Malaysia. So far they're no valid rumours coming out from my source about any new commemorative coins. If you're still waiting for the RMK10 coins, I don't think BNM will release them. Unless they mint a new coins design.

I am not sure if anyone already knew about this. On October 2012, Bank Negara had open a job for Production Manager (Kilang Wang Bank Negara Malaysia).

The Production Manager responsibilities:

1. Develop strategic plans for the overall coins production of the Kilang Wang in order to achieve approved quantity and quality requirement, and in implementing activities towards better efficiency.

2. Manage the activities related to the production of finished coins and other associated and supporting activities (e.g. production of tools, dies,etc) to ensure timely execution of the production plan.

3. Develop, review and enhance policies on safe control and transfer of security itens and minting materials so as to comply with the Bank's policies and guidelines.

I don't think any new commemorative coins will be produced until someone has accepted the position. That is just my own personal opinion.

They're one coin that I wish BNM will consider to be in their list of commemorative coins for this year.

Malaysia will received two giant pandas from China to mark the 40th years anniversary China-Malaysia diplomatic relationship. Feng Yi (female) and Fu Wa (male), both six years old will be loaned to our country for 10 years. Feng Yi and Fu Wa were born at the Wolong nature reserve and panda base in Wenchuan, Sichuan. Besides bamboo, Feng Yi and Fu Wa’s favourite foods are corn bread, apple and carrot.

They will be living in a 1.13ha of air-conditioned enclosure at the Wetlands Park in Putrajaya. Bamboos will be planted on another 6.07ha for their consumption, which come up to about 20kg a day.

Panda's are regarded as national treasures for China, the loan was welcomed as a significant boost to bilateral ties between China and Malaysia.

I also wish Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will make an agreement with The People's Bank of China to mint a complete commemorative sets together. Each of a set contains two identical coins that Malaysian collectors can exchange with collectors from China. This will help bilateral relations between citizens in both countries. They should set up a website for everyone to do the exchange. Each coins should also have a unique activation code for collector to register in that website. They can make coin exchange or buying/selling the panda's coins too.

Me and my crazy idea's. Hahahaha.... I don't think these thing will really happen. 

Another coin that maybe BNM can mint for 2013 is a Visit Malaysia year 2013/2014 coins. For Visit Malaysia Year 2013/14, the government has allocated RM358 million under the development expenditure, an increase of 42 per cent, to target 26.8 million tourist arrivals. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said tourism was a key economic growth sector, contributing almost 12 per cent GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

What do you think?

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New Singapore coins for 2013

On 21 February 2013, The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced Singapore will change to a new circulation coin series by the middle of 2013. For your information, the recent floral theme coin series has been in circulation since 2 December 1985.

According to Ravi Menon, Managing Director, MAS, “Coins reflect the events, persons or symbols significant to a nation. The new series coins depict local icons and landmarks that are familiar to Singaporeans and reflect various aspects of Singapore’s progress as a nation.”

Mrs Foo-Yap Siew Hong, Assistant Managing Director, said, “The Second Series coins have been in use for more than 25 years. There will be a period of adjustment as we all get comfortable with the new coins. MAS will continue to work closely with our stakeholders to smoothen the transition.” All past and current series coins will not be demonetised and the public can continue to use them for payment alongside the new coins.

The new coins are made of multi-ply plated steel and are less costly to produce. Each coin denomination has an electro-magnetic signature, which allows vending machines to detect counterfeit and foreign coins. The 1-dollar coin contains additional security features such as its bi-metallic composition and laser mark micro-engraving in the shape of Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim.

The new coins will have larger denomination numerals for easy identification and features to facilitate identification by the visually-impaired. The coins are progressively sized by denomination, with the 5-cent coin being the smallest and 1-dollar coin being the largest.

The new Singapore Third Series coins will feature:

• $1 dollar-Merlion, a traditional symbol of Singapore;
• 50 cents-Port of Singapore, one of the busiest in the world;
• 20 cents-Changi Airport, one of the best airports in the world;
• 10 cents-Public Housing, home to more than 80 percent of Singaporeans; and
• 5 cents-Esplanade, iconic centre for performing arts in Singapore.

MAS has been working with public transport operators to ensure that coin-operated machines at MRT/LRT stations are calibrated to accept both the current and new series coins before the launch. MAS has also been working with businesses with coin-operated facilities such as vending machine operators and supermarkets to prepare them for the launch.

For more information on the new series coins, please visit www.mas.gov.sg/newcoins.

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Malaysia 10 sen 1971 coin story

In my opinion. 8 out of 10 Malaysian coin collectors already knew why collectors are buying Malaysia 10 sen 1971 coin. If you still don't know, the main reason is only 32,236 pieces of that coin were minted by Kilang Wang Bank Negara. It is one of the must have item for Malaysia coin collector. These are also one of the most sought after coins for Malaysia coins investors.

I remember in 2003, when I am still in Penang, they're plenty of these coins selling for RM80-RM150 depending on their grade. Sadly, at that time, I prefer to collect Straits Settlements coins. I am not interested to buy these coins because they're not silver coins and at that time, I do think they're overpriced. After 10 years, the price has gone up steadily, its a bit hard to find these coins and I still don't like to collect Malaysia coins but I need to keep a set of Malaysia coins for my children.

When the story about 10 sen 1971 coin varieties came out, many people start to look for the 1st variety since most collectors don't have them. The price for the 1st variety is higher then the 2nd variety but it is not that easy to find the 1st variety. Many collectors still don't know how to check for the varieties and some are selling the 2nd variety as the 1st variety. For anyone who still don't understand, I already post about the variety 2 coin in my Malay blog; 10 sen 1971 V2. You can learn characteristics of each variety in that post too.

Early this year, Malaysian collectors are shocked by a story about Fake 10 sen 1971. I already reply that in my Malay blog malaysiancoin.com. That news is just a baseless rumour by a collector who think that the 2nd variety are fake coins. He don't even know what variety means and think it is a newly minted coins by a counterfeiter. Right now he is busy distributing a "fake CR note" pictures to everyone. Most of his friends who are newbies and still don't know about numismatic agree to share them on their wall. What a "fake CR note" can do if it totally look like a fake notes? Unless the buyer don't look at the actual note and don't check the note before buying. I don't think the note have an intaglio and raised print too. He also don't even know what a legal tender mean.

What I want to share today is a story about why only 32,236 pieces of Malaysia 10 sen 1971 coins were minted by Bank Negara. For your information, Central Bank of Malaysia Mint in Shah Alam "officially opened" on 10 July 1971 by Tun Tan Siew Sin, Malaysia Finance Minister.

They're many version of story about the coins low mintage. They're no official story by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) but if you want to ask them, be my guest. Just don't forget to share them if they ever reply you. Hahaha....

The stories in here are just for sharing, you can decide yourself if it true or not.

First Version-why only 32,236 pieces?

I think most collector already heard about biggest flood ever happened in Kuala Lumpur on 5 January 1971, 32 people were killed and 180,000 people were affected. Before that, whole Malaysia has been raining cat and dog for over a week. Prime Minister at that time, Tun Abdul Razak declared State of emergency for Malaysia. Kilang Wang Bank Negara in Shah Alam were also affected and they had to stop operation. 32,236 pieces were lucky enough because they were produce before the flood affected the mint. The minting process for Malaysia coins in that mint only resumed in 1973.

Second Version-why only 32,236 pieces?

The coin were minted in London Mint. When the factory in Batu Tiga,Shah Alam was ready to mint our very own Malaysia coinage in May 1971 ,they called up to put a stop to London Mint, however 32,236 pieces of 1971 10 cents coins were minted. Together was 500,000 pieces of Malaysia 1971 One Ringgit coin minted by London Mint. Source: Dickson Niew.

Third Version-why only 32,236 pieces?

Bank Negara Malaysia have to mint a 10 sen coin for that year because they want to sell a coin set for year 1971, to commemorate the newly open Malaysia Mint. They want to make a 10 sen for that year special, some will be release in circulation but most of them will be put in a 1971 coin set. The plan to make that 1971 coin set don't happen and all the 10 sen coins were released into circulation by mistake. For your information, 10 sen coin mintage in 1967 and 1968 total is more then 235 million. More then enough for population in Malaysia during that year (1971).

Fourth Version-why only 32,236 pieces?

According to Sifu Dickson Niew (same article in the second version), the coins were minted only for 32,236 pieces was because due the dies broke.

Source: Dickson Niew.

What do you think is the right answer for Malaysia 10 sen 1971 coin story? Before you decide, just remember, they're no Malaysia circulation coins minted in the year 1972. 

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First Indian Sovereigns since 1918

Today, The Royal Mint and MMTC-PAMP India announced of a new partnership to strike The Royal Mint’s gold Sovereign commemorative coins in India for the first time since 1918. The Sovereigns will be struck in India by MMTC-PAMP using tools and techniques developed by The Royal Mint in South Wales, UK. they will carry the special mint mark “I” to show that they have been manufactured in India.

This new agreement will seek to re-establish The Royal Mint brand and the iconic Sovereign in this major market. This will allow the Indian public to buy an authentic UK commemorative Sovereign specially minted in India for the first time in almost 100 years. This should have long term benefits to the Indian public and to the integrity of The Royal Mint brand and the Sovereign itself.

Deputy Master of The Royal Mint, Adam Lawrence said:

“As the oldest manufacturing organisation in the UK and the world’s leading export mint, we are delighted to be entering another exciting chapter in The Royal Mint’s 1100 year history. This partnership with MMTC-PAMP India will introduce genuine commemorative Sovereigns back into the Indian market, satisfying significant demand for the coin, and allow The Royal Mint to develop a new revenue stream”.

Mr Mehdi Barkhodar, Chairman of MMTC-PAMP and Managing Director of PAMP SA said:

“The return of the authentic Royal Mint commemorative Sovereign to India has been a much-anticipated event. The Indian consumer deserves nothing but the best, however, until now their only option was to buy replica Sovereign coins. Therefore, I have no doubt that the re-emergence of the highly-prized authentic Sovereign coins will be warmly welcomed by those wishing to purchase the genuine article for their wedding or special occasion”.

Featuring the same classic Benedetto Pistrucci ‘St George and the Dragon’ design as the Sovereigns struck in India in 1918, striking of the 2013 Indian Sovereign has commenced in MMTC-PAMP India’s world class facility near Delhi. The first production run will be for 50,000 pieces and will be available in the market from today.

Shane Bissett, The Royal Mint’s Director of Commemorative Coin and Bullion said:

“The Sovereign is the oldest traded commemorative coin that is still manufactured today and is also the most precisely specified gold coin. Its quality and specification is protected by the annual Trial of the Pyx; at over 750 years old the oldest quality control process still being used today. The commemorative coins struck in India will go through this quality process in the same way as all UK coins. This opportunity allows The Royal Mint to enter the largest market in the world for gold”

These gold Sovereigns will be available for sale to customers in India, initially at select jewellery outlets in Delhi and subsequently pan-India through MMTC-PAMP India’s distribution network and selected banks.

Source: Royal Mint

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Who is Thomas de la Rue?

At the back of some of your Malaysia ringgit, you can find "Thomas De La Rue". Who is Thomas de la Rue? Thomas de La Rue on your banknote is a printer company, De La Rue plc; a British security printing, paper making and cash handling systems company headquartered in Basingstoke, Hampshire. It also has a factory on the Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead. The Company was founded by Thomas de la Rue who moved to London in 1821 and set up in business as a stationer and printer. In 1831 his business secured a Royal Warrant to produce playing cards, in 1855 it started printing postage stamps and in 1860 it began printing banknotes. In 1896, the family partnership was converted to a private company.

Photo: Malaysia 1 ringgit banknote reverse.

  

Photo by Wikipedia: Thomas de la Rue

Thomas de la Rue (24 March 1793 – 7 June 1866) born in La Forêt in Guernsey. He married Jane Warren in 1814. Thomas de la Rue was apprenticed to a master-printer at St Peter Port in 1803. He went into business with Tom Greenslade and together they launched the newspaper, Le Publiciste. Thomas de la rue's first commercial venture was in 1813, when he published the first edition of le miroir politique newspaper in guernsey.

In 1816 he left Guernsey for London where he initially established a business making straw hats. Then in 1830 together with Samuel Cornish and William Rock he founded a business of card makers, hot pressers and enamellers. By 1837 his wife, both his sons and his eldest daughter were involved in the business. In october 1853, de la rue was awarded the contract to print adhesive fiscal stamps for the UK's board of Inland Revenue. Not only the first stamps to be surface printed, they were also the first perforated stamps to be issued. In 1855 Thomas was made a Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur. In 1858 he retired from De La Rue handing over the management of the business to his sons William Frederick and Warren. Thomas de la rue printed its first paper money in 1860 the Mauritius 5, 1 and 10 shilling note.

Photo by Wikipedia: De La Rue plc. printing factory.

In 1921, the de la Rue family sold their interests. It was first listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1947. The Company, then called Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited, changed its name in 1958 to The De La Rue Company Limited. A takeover bid for De La Rue was made by the Rank Organisation plc in 1968 but this was rejected by the Monopolies commission as being against the public interest. In 1991 the company’s name was changed again - this time to De La Rue plc. In 2003 the Company acquired the banknote printing operations of the Bank of England. The Debden Security Printing Ltd printing facility, owned by De La Rue, which prints Bank of England bank notes.

De La Rue sells high-security paper and printing technology for over 150 national currencies. They claim to be the largest such corporation in the world. De la Rue makes paper and prints banknotes for many banks worldwide, including:

• Bahrain Central Bank of Bahrain
• Bank Negara Malaysia
• Barbados Central Bank of Barbados
• Belize Central Bank of Belize
• England Bank of England
• Fiji Reserve Bank of Fiji
• Guatemala Banco de Guatemala
• Honduras Banco Central de Honduras
• Iraq Central Bank of Iraq
• Isle of Man Isle of Man Government
• Jamaica Bank of Jamaica
• Kenya Central Bank of Kenya
• Kuwait Central Bank of Kuwait
• Republic of Macedonia National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia
• Scotland The Royal Bank of Scotland
• Singapore Monetary Authority of Singapore
• Sri Lanka Central Bank of Sri Lanka
• Tanzania Bank of Tanzania

Source: Wikipedia, De la rue.com

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USA 1933 gold double eagle

In 30 July 2002, the USA 1933 gold double eagle make it into the record for the highest price ever paid for a coin in auction at $7,590,020 including buyer fees. Sotheby's and numismatic firm Stack's auctioned off a 1933 Double Eagle coin for $6.6 million, plus a buyer’s fee of 15% for a total price $7,590,020. However, the record has been broken by a 1794 silver dollar sold for USD$10,016,875 (price includes the buyer's commission) in Stack’s Bowers Cardinal Collection auction; 1794 silver dollar sells for US$10mil.

1933 double eagle gold coin is a legend in coin collecting. In 1933, 445,000 gold Double Eagle coins were minted but no specimens ever officially circulated and nearly all were melted down.

The coin obverse design show a rendition of Augustus Saint-Gaudens' full length figure of Lady Liberty with flowing hair, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. The reverse show a Bald eagle in flight, backed by a glory, with motto "IN GOD WE TRUST".

Chronology of 1933 Double Eagle:

15 March 1933 - 445,500 specimens of this Saint-Gaudens double eagle were minted (last year for double eagle production).

5 April 1933 - President Franklin Roosevelt issued Executive Order 6102, People were ordered to turn in their gold and no more gold coins were to be issued for circulation.

Executive Order 6102, Section 2.

All persons are hereby required to deliver on or before May 1, 1933, to a Federal Reserve bank or a branch or agency thereof or to any member bank of the Federal Reserve System all gold coin, gold bullion, and gold certificates now owned by them or coming into their ownership on or before April 28, 1933, with the exception of the following:

(a) Such amount of gold as may be required for legitimate and customary use in industry, profession or art within a reasonable time, including gold prior to refining and stocks of gold in reasonable amounts for the usual trade requirements of owners mining and refining such gold.

(b) Gold coin and gold certificates in an amount not exceeding in the aggregate $100.00 belonging to any one person; and gold coins having recognized special value to collectors of rare and unusual coins.

(c) Gold coin and bullion earmarked or held in trust for a recognized foreign government or foreign central bank or the Bank for International Settlements.

(d) Gold coin and bullion licensed for the other proper transactions (not involving hoarding) including gold coin and gold bullion imported for the re-export or held pending action on applications for export license.

1937 - All the coins were destroyed by the Treasury and melt them into gold bars. Only two of the coins survived as part of the official US coin collection at the Smithsonian Institution. Two of the $20 double eagles were presented by the United States Mint to the U.S. National Numismatic Collection, and they were recently on display in the "Money and Medals Hall" on the third floor of the National Museum of American History.

1940's - 10 of the coins surfaced in the 1940's, the US Secret Service tracked down nine of them and destroyed them. a Texas dealer sold one of the coins and it was on the way out of the country on 22 February 1944. The missing double eagle was acquired by King Farouk of Egypt.

1952 - King Farouk was deposed in a coup d'etat, and many of his possessions were made available for public auction (run by Sotheby's) – including the double eagle coin. The United States Government requested the return of the coin, and the Egyptian government stated that it would comply with the request. However, at that time the coin disappeared and was not seen again in Egypt.

1996 - British collector Stephen Fenton was arrested in New York City after trying to sell the coin to undercover US Secret Service agents. Under sworn testimony, he insisted the double eagle had come from the collection of King Farouk, though this could not be verified.

30 July 30 2002-A 1933 double eagle was sold to an anonymous bidder at a Sotheby's auction held in New York for $6.6 million, plus a 15-percent buyer's premium, and an additional $20 needed to “monetize” the face value of the coin so it would become legal currency, bringing the final sale price to $7,590,020.00. Half the bid price was to be delivered to the United States Treasury, plus the $20 to monetize the coin, while Stephen Fenton was entitled to the other half.

September 2004 - Israel Switt daughter, Joan Switt Langbord, told officials at the US Treasury that she had found 10 more 1933 Double Eagles in a safe deposit box. She asked the Treasury Department to authenticate them.

July 2005 - the coins were authenticated by the United States Mint, working with the Smithsonian Institution, as being genuine 1933 double eagles.

August 2005 - The United States Mint announced the recovery of ten additional stolen 1933 double eagle gold coins from the family of Philadelphia jeweler Israel Switt, the illicit coin dealer identified by the Secret Service as a party to the theft who admitted selling the first nine double eagles recovered a half century earlier.

28 October 2010 - United States District Court Judge Legrome D. Davis released a 20-page decision.

20 July 2011 - after a 10-day trial—a jury decided unanimously in favor of the United States government concerning ownership of the ten additional double eagles. The court concluded the circumstantial evidence proved that Israel Switt illegally obtained the coins from the United States government and they are still government property. The decision was affirmed on August 29, 2012, and the plaintiffs plan to appeal.

29 August 2012 - U.S. District Judge Legrome D. Davis wrote in his decision for Joan Langbord appeal "The disputed double eagles were not lawfully removed from the United States Mint and . . . remain the property of the United States."

For a list of others world expensive coins, you can read it in my post; Top 5 Worlds Most Expensive coins.

Source: Wikipedia.

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Vietnam Dong Story

In 207 B.C. a Chinese general set up the Kingdom of Nam-Viet on the Red River. This kingdom was over-thrown by the Chinese under the Han Dynasty in 111 B.C., where upon the country became a Chinese province under the name of Giao-Chi, which was later changed to Annam or peaceful or pacified South. Chinese rule was maintained until 968, when the Vietnamese became independent until 1407 when China again invaded Viet Nam. The Chinese were driven out in 1428 and the country became independent and named Dai-Viet. Gia Long united the North and South as Dai Nam in 1802.

The Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, working through Viet Cong guerrillas, instigated subversion in South Viet Nam which led to US armed intervention and second Indochina War. This war, from the viewpoint of the North merely a continuation of the first (anti-French) war, was a bitter, protracted military conflict which came to a brief halt in 1973 (when a cease-fire was arranged and US and its other allied forces withdrew) but did not end until 30 April 1975 when South Viet Nam surrendered unconditionally. The National Liberation Front for South Viet Nam, the political arm of the Viet Cong, assumed governmental power when on 2 July 1976, North and South Vietnam were united as the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam with Hanoi as the capital.

The đồng (IPA: dɔŋ) (sign: ₫; code: VND) is the currency of Vietnam since May 3, 1978. It is issued by the State Bank of Vietnam. The word đồng is from the term “đồng tiền” (lit. money) which is a cognate of the Chinese “Tong1 Qian2” (Traditional Chinese:銅錢; Simplified Chinese:铜钱). The term refers to Chinese bronze coins which were used as currency during the dynastic periods of China and Vietnam. The term hào is a cognate of the Chinese "hao4" (Traditional Chinese: 毫) which means 1/10th a dollar unit.

Hồ Chí Minh (May 19, 1890 – September 2, 1969) was a Vietnamese Communist revolutionary and statesman who was Prime Minister (1946–1955) and President (1946–1969) of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam). Ho led the Viet Minh independence movement from 1941 onward, establishing the communist-governed Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945 and defeating the French Union in 1954 at Dien Bien Phu. He lost political power inside North Vietnam in the late 1950s, but remained as the highly visible figurehead president until his death. He was named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century, while the former capital of South Vietnam, Saigon, was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in his honor.

Source: Wikipedia, Krause Publication

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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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Facebook Numismatic Auction

A member message me in email few weeks ago, asking about Facebook Numismatic Auction. "I heard, you can find item cheaper then market value in Facebook but I don't know where to find a place like that. I heard you can bid for banknote and coin cheaper by 30% from market value. Please, if you know such place, reply my email". In my email, I told him I will reply in my blog. Facebook Auction is a bit new in Malaysia but its already a phenomenon. Its help some dealers to increase their sales and certainly are helping small time traders to sell their item.

Before this, most of the sellers just display their item picture with the condition, price or phone number in a group or pages related to numismatic, hoping someone will asked about their item. The scenario change last year when someone try to sell item using auction style. One active group who using this method is Kedai Hantu Duit 2. I had been following this group since last year and they're the most active group in Malaysian Facebook scene. Their group have 1,036 members right now and over 100 active members almost daily. The group have 2 admins who actively organizing quiz with free gift to their members. The admins also very strict on their membership. Any members who are giving problem will be remove instantly from the group. Originally, the group main purpose is to share numismatic knowledge among its members but it has became an auction place for Malaysian collectors. If you want to be a member of this group, you need to ask any of your friends who are already in this group to add you.

At this moment, the group admin only allowed members to post 3 items for auction a day. The admin highly suggest for you to gain reputation first before you post an auction in the group. For newbies, you're only allowed to post an auction with your picture, identity card or driving license attach in the auction picture. Its also highly suggested by the group admin, every members must put watermark on the auction pictures (your name or phone number). The admins are watching their rules almost every hour and any members who don't follow any of these will get a warning. If they're any scam cases or any members who don't honour their bid, you need to alert everyone as soon as possible.

What do you need to post in your auction:

• A clear picture of your banknote or coin.
• Condition of your item.
• Your item details (printer, years etc)
• Your auction start price.
• Your auction reserve price (if you want to put it in reserve price).
• Date and time of your auction will start.
• Date and time of your auction will closed.
• Your phone number.
• Who will pay for postage.
• How much the postage will cost.
• Any other terms and condition.

When the auction time almost over, it is highly suggested you start a countdown of the auction time. Winners and auctioneers will message each other in Facebook to conclude the deal.

Congratulations to the admin of this group for actively promoting numismatic hobbies among Malaysian.

Published 31 January 2012.

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Where to buy Kijang Emas Gold Bullion Coin

Where to buy Kijang Emas Bullion? Can I buy Kijang Emas directly from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM)? Many newbies in Gold Bullion Buying and Selling don't know that Kijang Emas can only be bought from certain Maybank Branches. Kijang Emas Gold Bullion Coins are Malaysia's own gold bullion coins. Malaysia is the 12th country in the world to issue its own gold bullion coin. The Kijang gold bullion produce by Kilang Wang Bank Negara with 99.99% Gold Purity. The bullion are available in 1 oz (RM200 Face Value), 1/2 oz (RM100 Face Value) and 1/4 oz (RM50 Face Value) size. The Kijang Emas is priced at the daily gold market share. The price is quoted daily and pegged to the international gold price to facilitate buying and selling.

The design on the obverse of each coin depicts a barking deer - "kijang" in its natural habitat in the Malaysian jungle.

The reverse features the hibiscus, the national flower of Malaysia.

For Kijang Emas price you can check Here.

You can purchased The Kijang Bullion individually or as a set at 32 selected Maybank branches. It will be better to called the nearest Maybank in this list since it a little bit hard to find Kijang Emas. Called and booked the Kijang Emas, make sure you go to Maybank and pay the selling price on the same day if the Kijang is available for you. Its a bit hard to find it and the price outside Maybank maybe a little bit high from the market price if your Kijang Gold coin still in the original packet. People buy and collect them and most probably don't want to sell them in the future. The only best place to buy Kijang Emas that I knew is Maybank HQ but you need to be there early morning (if it is available), when they just start to open the bank.

Here are 32 Maybank branches that sell Kijang Emas bullion:

KUALA LUMPUR MAIN BRANCH (Maybank HQ)
1st Floor
Menara Maybank
100 Jalan Tun Perak
50050 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2074 7956 / 03-2074 7037, Fax: 03-2070 2611

BANGSAR BARU BRANCH
66, 68 and 70 Jalan Maarof
Bangsar Baru
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2284 6379 / 03-2284 6377. Fax: 03-2282 3132

BUKIT BINTANG BRANCH
G-Floor Bangunan Yayasan Selangor
Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2142 8268 / 03-2141 4934, Fax: 03-2142 9525

KUALA SELANGOR BRANCH
11 & 13, Jalan Raja Jalil
45000 Kuala Selangor
Tel 03-3289 1754; Fax 03-3289 3709

PETALING JAYA MAIN BRANCH
50-52, Jalan Sultan (52/4)
46200 Petaling Jaya

SHAH ALAM MAIN BRANCH
10, Persiaran Perbandaran
Section 14
40000 Shah Alam
Tel:03-55199289

JOHOR BHARU MAIN BRANCH
Lot 1-22, Level 1, 2 and 3
Johor Bharu City Centre
106 - 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook
80000 Johor Bharu
Tel: 07-219 3666 / 07-219 3516 / 07-219 3514

MUAR BRANCH
104 Jalan Abdullah
80400 Muar
Tel: 06-952 1545

MELAKA MAIN BRANCH
114 and 114A Graha Peladang
Jalan Hang Tuah
75300 Melaka
Tel: 06-282 2214; Tel: 06-282 2343

JALAN MUNSHI ABDULLAH
BRANCH
171-175 Jalan Munshi Abdullah
75000 Melaka
Tel: 06-284 0312; Fax: 06-284 0625

ALOR STAR BRANCH
1535, Jalan Sultan Badlishah
05000 Alor Star
Tel: 04-772 9241

PULAU LANGKAWI BRANCH
5-11, Jalan Pandak Mayah 1
Pusat Bandar Kuah
07000 Langkawi
Tel: 04-966 6208

SUNGAI PETANI BRANCH
Central Square Complex
23 Jalan Kampung Baru
08000 Sungai Petani
Tel: 04-421 6877, Tel: 04-423 3842, Tel: 04-421 2512, Tel: 04-421 0290

BUTTERWORTH BRANCH
4277 Bagan Luar Road
12000 Butterworth
Tel: 04-3322901

PENANG MAIN OFFICE BRANCH
9, Lebuh Union
10200 Penang
Tel: 04-261 1266

KUALA LIPIS BRANCH
92A and 92B Jalan Besar
27200 Kuala Lipis

KUANTAN MAIN BRANCH
UMNO Building
1 Jalan Hj Abdul Aziz
25000 Kuantan

MENTAKAB BRANCH
1 Jalan Haji Kassim
28409 Mentakab
Tel 09-277 1151

IPOH MAIN BRANCH
Bangunan Mayban Trust
28 Jalan Tun Sambanthan
30000 Ipoh
Tel: 05-241 2131

TANJONG MALIM BRANCH
Jalan Chong Ah Peng
35900 Tanjong Malim

TELUK INTAN BRANCH
43-45, Medan Mahkota
Jalan Ah Cheong
36000 Telok Intan
Tel : 605-621 3360

SEREMBAN BRANCH
166-169, Jalan Dato' Bandar Tunggal
70000 Seremban
Tel: 06-762 5242

KANGAR BRANCH
Upper Grd. Floor, Menara KWSP
Jalan Bukit Lagi
01000 Kangar
Tel : 04-9764846, 04-9763419

KOTA BHARU BRANCH
3880-E, Jalan Mahmood
15200 Kota Bahru
Tel: 09-741 9584 / 09-741 9581

KUALA TERENGGANU BRANCH
92 Jalan Sultan Ismail
20200 Kuala Terenggganu
Tel: +609-624 6758

KARAMUNSING BRANCH
Bangunan Maybank
No. 1, Lorong Kemajuan
Karamunsing
88000 Kota Kinabalu
Tel: 088-252 185 / 088-233 913, Fax: 088-252 190

TAWAU BRANCH
262-264, Fajar Complex
Jalan Mahkamah
91000 Tawau
Tel: 089-763 943 / 089-762 304, Fax: 089-763 355

LABUAN BRANCH
Lot E005, Ground Floor Podium
Financial Park Labuan Complex
Jalan Merdeka
87000 Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan
Tel: 087-582 388 / 087-443 888

SANDAKAN BRANCH
Lot 28, 29 and 30 Block HS-3
Sandakan Harbour Square
90000 Sandakan
Tel: 089-213 171 / 089-213 172, Fax: 089-272 979

MIRI BRANCH
Lot 112, Jalan Bendahara
98008 Miri
Tel: 085-417 766 / 085-412 282, Fax: 085-418 450

SIBU BRANCH
35, 37 and 39, Jalan Kampung Nyabor
96000 Sibu
Tel: 084-338 868 / 084-332 081, Fax: 084-311 060

WISMA SATOK BRANCH
Level 1 Wisma Satok
Jalan Satok
93400 Kuching
Tel: 082-415 603 / 082-428 568,Fax: 082-250 299

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Loonie; Canada dollar coin

Do you know how Canada Loonie get its name? Loonie; Canada dollar coin were introduced in 1987, the gold coloured coin get its name from a common loon The Great Northern Loon (Gavia immer) or The Great Northern Diver. The name "diver" comes from the habit of catching fish while the birds swim along the surface calmly and then suddenly plunged into the water. The name "loon" is a reference to the bird's clumsiness on land, and is derived from Scandinavian words for lame, such as Icelandic "lúinn" and Swedish "lam". This diver is well known in Canada.

The coin reverse show images of a common loon with the word "CANADA" & "DOLLAR", mint year below by designer Robert-Ralph Carmichael. On the coin obverse show portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

The design for the coins intended to be a "voyageur theme" similar to Canada previous one dollar coin. The master dies were lost during transit to the Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg. To avoid counterfeiting, a different design was used.

On 30 June 1987, the Loonie coin was released for circulation. The $1 note remained in issue and in circulation along with the coin for the next two years, until the note was finally withdrawn on 30 June 1989.

When introduced, loonie coins were made of Aureate, a bronze-electroplated nickel combination. Beginning in 2007, some loonie blanks also began to be produced with a cyanide-free brass plating process. In the spring of 2012, the composition switched to multi-ply brass-plated steel.

On 15 March 2006, the Royal Canadian Mint secured the rights to the name "Loonie" for their one dollar coin.

The name Toonie for Canada two dollars coin came from a word combination of the number "two" and the loonie.

The New $1 Coin

Instead of traditional alloys, and like the new two-dollar circulation coins, Canada new one dollar circulation coins are manufactured using the same Multi-Ply Plated Steel technology found in our current 25-cent, 10-cent, 5-cent and 1-cent circulation coins This patented process covers a steel core with alternating layers of metals such as copper, nickel and brass. The resulting coins are more economical to produce, durable and secure.

While the new one-dollar circulation coin maintains the traditional "Loon" design, there is one visible change:

• A single laser mark of a maple leaf positioned within a circle on the coin's reverse – i.e. around the Loon design. This laser mark is produced during the striking of the coins using a contrasting pattern micro-engraved on the coin die itself.

Specifications:

Diameter: 26.5mm

Edge Height: 1.95mm

Weight: 6.27g

Composition: Multi-ply brass plated steel

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Toonie; Canada 2 dollars coin story

Do you know that there is a coin called Toonie? It is Canada 2 dollars bi-metallic circulation coin which bears an image of a polar bear. The name do not came from that polar bear instead come from Canada one dollar coin "loonie". The Loonie name come from The Great Northern Diver (a bird), known in North America as the Common Loon (Gavia immer), is a large member of the loon, or diver, family of birds. The Toonie name come as it is a two dollar coin. "Toonie" is a word combination from the number "two" and the loonie, Canada's one-dollar coin.

Toonie; Canada 2 dollar coin

On the reverse show an image of a polar bear, by Campbellford, Ontario artist Brent Townsend.

The obverse has a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. It is the only coin in Canada to have the "ELIZABETH II / D.G. REGINA" in a different typeface; it is also the only coin to consistently bear its issue date on the obverse.

The Canada 2 dollar coin, commonly called Toonie, was introduced on 19 February 1996 by Public Works minister Diane Marleau. The Toonie is a bi-metallic coin and Canada adopted the patented technology to make these coins from Italy. The engineer, and head of the Italian Mint, Dr. Nicola Ielpo, patented the technology of interlocking two metals in coins in 1990.

The Toonie, is occasionally spelled "twonie" or "twoonie", but Canadian newspapers and the Royal Canadian Mint use the "toonie" spelling. When the coin was introduced a number of nicknames were suggested. Some of the early ones included the bearie (analogous to the Loonie and its loon), the bearly, the deuce and the doubloonie (a play on "double Loonie" and the former Spanish doubloon coin).

The name Toonie became so widely accepted that in 2006 the Royal Canadian Mint secured the rights to it. A competition to name the bear resulted in the name "Churchill", a reference both to the common polar bear sightings in Churchill, Manitoba and Winston Churchill.

The New $2 Toonie Coin

On 10 April 2012, the Royal Canadian Mint announced new design changes to the loonie and toonie, which include new security features. The composition of the inner core switched to aluminium bronze coated with multi-ply plated brass, and the outer ring switched to steel coated with multi-ply plated nickel. The weight dropped from 7.30 to 6.92 grams, and the thickness changed from 1.8 to 1.75 millimetres.

Like the new one-dollar circulation coins, Canada's new two-dollar circulation coins are manufactured using the Mint's Multi-Ply Plated Steel technology.

While the new two-dollar coin maintains the traditional "Polar Bear" design, there are three visible changes:

• The addition of two laser marks of maple leaves, each within a circle, at the bottom of the coin's reverse – i.e. on the side with the Polar Bear design.
• A virtual image of two maple leaves will appear at the top of the coin – a different image is produced as the coin is turned from side to side. The virtual image is produced by engraving different patterns on each side of two-sided grooves on the face of the coin.
• Edge-lettering of the words "CANADA" and "2 DOLLARS" are engraved along the coin's outer edge.

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Malaysia Rare Coin Table Price

Today I share with you Malaysia rare coin price and value Infographics. I am not very good at Infographics but will try to improve them next time when I have learned to make Infographics. The value that I share in here are in Malaysia Ringgit (RM). You can share the Infographic with everyone as long as you don't alter anything on the picture. I also appreciate it if you can give a linkback to my blog. Just for information, the word "rare" in here means coins that Malaysian collectors are looking for not "rare" in numismatics.

The price shown in my infographic is only for very fine gred.

You can read updated story about Malaysia rare coins in this post; Malaysia rare coins.

click picture for larger view

Here is a list of Malaysia rare coins/Key dates coins:
-Malaysia 1970 1 sen -only 2,000,000 has been mintage
-Malaysia 1976 copper 1 sen -only 100 pieces known to exist

-Malaysia 1971 10 sen -only 32,326 has been minted (this coin have 2 variety).

-Malaysia 1970 20 sen -only 1,054,000 has been minted.
-Malaysia 1994 20 sen -only 2,680,339 has been minted.

-Malaysia 1969 50 sen -only 2,000,000 has been minted.
-Malaysia 1967, 1968 & 1969 50 sen without security edge.
-Malaysia 1995 50 sen -only 1,650,423 has been minted.

For their price and value, you can read about it in my blog; www.malaysiancoin.com.

For anyone who are looking for the old Malaysia Rare Coin Table Price, I still show them in this post. For your information, this is an old Malaysia coin price. I wrote it in February 2009. The price is according to Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore Standard Catalog (18th edition) by Steven Tan.

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Set of Australian banknotes for auction

Set of privately owned complete set of original 1913 to 1914 Australian Collins/Allen Cancelled Specimen banknotes up for auction by The Rare Coin Company. The complete Aussie notes set includes eight banknotes of 10 shillings, STG1, STG5, STG10, STG20, STG50, STG100 and STG1000 denominations. The set expect to achieve a record-breaking price tag of $5.5 million. A new record for the most expensive Australian Banknotes.

10 shillings, ND (1913), red serial number M 010056

£1, ND (1913), red serial number P 008055

£5, ND (1913), black serial number U 067927

£10, ND (1913), black serial number W002238

£20, ND (1914), black serial number X 000018

£50, ND (1914), black serial number Y 005495

£100, ND (1914), dark blue serial number Z 006944

£1000, ND (1914), dark blue & black serial number 2A 048022

The specimen notes, named after the two Treasury secretaries who signed them, were printed in very limited numbers as examples of a new banknote series. Instead of being used as currency, they were cancelled and usually reserved for archiving or given to dignitaries.

On October 2009, Superb Set of The 1913–1914 Commonwealth of Australia Banknotes sold by Spinks for £350,000. The set of 6 notes were found in a chest of drawers in the North Yorkshire home of an elderly man when his home was being cleard out for an estate sale.

In 2012, The Rare Coin Company, which is selling the set found the missing STG10 and STG1000 notes.

‘‘When they were first printed they weren’t all together, they went out individual,’’ The Rare Coin Company’s managing director Rob Jackman said.

‘‘What’s happened now is that they’ve actually come together for the first time ever and makes it the complete set.

‘‘It’s the only set in private hands in the world.’’

Mr Jackman said its rarity makes it difficult to value, but he is confident it will attract offers of around $5.5 million - a far cry from its STG1186.10 face-value.

‘‘It will definitely be a world record and the most expensive set of Australian banknotes,’’ he said.

Most of the interest has come from international private buyers, particularly from Asia, he added.

The notes will be sold by private treaty ahead of this year’s 100th anniversary of the Commonwealth of Australia’s first banknotes.

Source: The Rare Coin Company, The age,

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