Malaysia 2nd series coins introduced into circulation on 4 September 1989 with a Malaysian tradition and character design/theme. The coins were designed by Low Yee Kheng (source: Wikipedia, not sure if this is true) and wholly minted by Bank Negara's mint at Shah Alam. Some changes had been done including the inclusion of a Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Malay: Bunga Raya), the national flower of Malaysia, on the upper half of the observe, and the depiction of items of Malay culture on the reverse. Most Malaysian collector refer this coin as a "Bunga Raya Series". Actually, Bank Negara Malaysia released this as a "Cultural Artifact Series".The denominations issued are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 sen and 1 ringgit.
The reverse sides of the six denominations have a common design and feature the national flower, the Bunga Raya (hibiscus flower) in the upper middle part of the coin with the denomination below. The words :BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA are inscribed along the upper circumference with the year of mintage in the lower half.
1 Ringgit-Keris
The Keris ia a traditional Malay dagger, which symbolizes authority and power. It is included as one of the main items of Malaysia's Royal Regalia. Once considered a weapon, it now graces ceremonial occasions and is considered as a work of art. The background design depicts a popular "Songket" motive.
Technical Specifications:
Face Value: 1 ringgit.
Diameter: 24.50 mm.
Weight: 9.30 gm.
Thickness: 2.60 mm.
Composition: Cu:84, Zn:12, Sn:4.
Edge: Milled.
Mint: Kilang Wang, Shah Alam.
50 sen-Wau
Kite Flying is a popular form of Malaysian past time during the windy season especially in the East Coast. It requires much skill, dexterity and experience to make and to fly a kite. Kites are also decorative items, which sometimes grace the walls of Malaysian homes.
Technical Specifications:
Face Value: 50 sen.
Diameter: 27.76 mm.
Weight: 9.33 gm.
Thickness: 2.18 mm.
Composition: Cu:75, Ni:25.
Edge: Incused lettered.
Mint: Kilang Wang, Shah Alam.
20 sen-Tepak Sirih
Tapak sirih, which is intricately carved is used to store betel leaves and its accompanying condiments. They are used during auspicious conditions and is a sign of welcome amongst the Malays.
Technical Specifications:
Face Value: 20 sen.
Diameter: 23.59 mm.
Weight: 5.66 gm.
Thickness: 1.75 mm.
Composition: Cu:75, Ni:25.
Edge: Milled.
Mint: Kilang Wang, Shah Alam.
10 sen-Congkak
The congkak board is used for traditional indoor games, played by children with marbles in the Malay villages. It is carved out of wood and consist of numerous large holes. Played by two persons with numerous variations of the rules, a congkak game is a popular past time. The congkak is placed on a traditional home woven mat in most Malay village homes.
Technical Specifications:
Face Value: 10 sen.
Diameter: 19.40 mm.
Weight: 1.37 gm.
Thickness: 1.75 mm.
Composition: Cu:75, Ni:25.
Edge: Milled.
Mint: Kilang Wang, Shah Alam.
5 sen-Gasing
Top (or gasing) spinning is an entertaining sport amongst the residents of the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is popular during the period when the rice crop is ripening and is believed to bring a good harvest. Top spinning competitions are a fascinating crowd puller, with perfectly balanced tops trying to outspin each other.
Technical Specifications:
Face Value: 5 sen.
Diameter: 16.25 mm.
Weight: 1.41 gm.
Thickness: 1.04 mm.
Composition: Cu:75, Ni:25.
Edge: Milled.
Mint: Kilang Wang, Shah Alam.
1 sen-Rebana Ubi
The Rebana Ubi is a gaily painted single-headed drum made of thick leather securred by a rattan hoop, with thick wooden wedges at the base frame. These are often assembled in groups of five and played during wedding celebrations. The beating of the Rebana Ubi is a popular gesture for welcoming guests.
Technical Specifications:
Face Value: 1 sen.
Diameter: 17.78 mm.
Weight: 1.74 gm.
Thickness: 1.26 mm.
Composition: Copper Clad Steel.
Edge: Plain.
Mint: Kilang Wang, Shah Alam.
In 1993, BNM change the "$1" on 1 ringgit coin to "1 ringgit". On December 7, 2005, the 1 ringgit coin was demonetised and withdrawn from circulation. This was partly due to problems with standardisation (two different versions of the second series coin were minted) and forgery. On November 2007, Bank Negara Malaysia announce that 1 sen coin will start to be discontinued. this is because of the high cost to produce them and with some 4.4 billion minted and 99% have been lost in circulation.
The 1 sen coin is still in legal tender but most seller in this country will not except them. A new rounding mechanism introduced with whereby the total bill amount (including goods and services subject to tax) is rounded upwards or downwards to the nearest multiple of 5 sen. In this regard, total bill amount that ends in 1, 2, 6 and 7 sen will be rounded down while 3, 4, 8 and 9 sen will be rounded up to the nearest multiple of 5 sen.
Malaysia Coins series:
You can find more pictures of this coins in my Facebook album: Malaysia 2nd series coins.
No comments:
Post a Comment