Malaysia Numis

MALAYSIA FAKE COINS RM1 AND 50 SEN

2011-04-22T20:00:00.009+08:00

FAKE MALAYSIA RM1 COINS ISSUED FROM 1989 TO 1996

Since 1989 ( when Malaysia minted the first RM1 coins and till 1996, fake coins of the RM1 were discovered to be circulating rampantly in the market and many users were caught unaware. Even the BNM (Central Bank Of Malaysia) did not say anything about it. The denied there is an existing fake RM1 coins. The public only realised the fake when police were kept busy catching people doing fake coins. However, BNM withdrew these coins circulation in 1997. The BNM's reason? " BNM further said the withdrawal of the RM1 coins was due to the low demand and increasingly unpopular usage of RM1 coins for purchases of goods and services in Malaysia, unlike those reported by a local daily , which claimed that about 50 % of the 34 millions RM1 coins circulated are fake"... Surprisingly, The Malaysia Royal Mint closed down later in the 2000's due to losses in operation. I can even tell you that since Royal Mint started minting, even the 50 sen Malaysian coins which have fake from 1989 to 2009.

Nowaday, these fake coins are popular with collectors in educating themselves to identify how fake coins look like. " Rings of Fire", "Weak Strike", "Off centred strike", "thinner or thicker planchets" and so on.

I believe that the same mould used by syndicates were the same one used by the Royal Mints. So, how do these mould ended up there, your guess is as good as mine. Funny also, these syndicates did not do any fakes in the years when certain year coins were not minted by the Royal Mint.

I listed here some images of these fake coins known to exist. I just take the year 1993 RM1 ( there were 2 varieties for the year):-

WEAK STRIKE

"RINGS OF FIRE AND WEAK STRIKE"

"RINGS OF FIRE AND WEAK STRIKE"

WEAK STRIKE ( FLOWER AND WORDINGS)
FROSTY CASTING
WEAK STRIKE AND RIM OFF CENTRED
"RINGS OF FIRE" AND WEAK STRIKE
"FROSTY AND WEAK STRIKE"
"FROSTY AND WEAK STRIKE"
"FROSTY AND WEAK STRIKE"

Numismatic Malaysia Lost A Good And Honest Friend

2010-03-04T01:03:00.007+08:00

In Loving Memorial

Micheal Chang

25 Aug 1954 - 20 Feb 2010

"I thought of you with love today

but that is nothing new

I thought about you yesterday

and days before that too,

I think of you in silence

I often speak your name

All I have are memories

and your picture in a frame

Your memory is my keepsake

with which I’ll never part

God has you in His keeping

I have you in my heart".

VERY RARE: THE PEOPLE BANK OF CHINA 1953 10 YUAN

2010-01-01T11:51:00.004+08:00

The second series of RMB was issued on 3/1 1955 based on the unified first series. With the termination of war, agriculture and industry began to boom, economy began more active, and price level were stabilized. For many years, the government revenue exceeded expenditure, gold reserve and inventories increased. However, the inflation did not end for a few years after the Liberation. The largest domination of the first series was 50000 Yuan. With lower values, people tend to use 10000 Yuan as the basic unit for payment, which is inconvenient to the public and economic growth. Besides, due to physical condition and technological condition, the paper quality of the first series was lower; there were as many as 60 different designs; and the notes wore off more quickly.

In order to improve the quality and reduce the zero's on the banknotes, the State Council promulgated the executive order of the issuance of the second series of RMB on 2/21 1955. The order stated that in order to meet the need of national economy, the wish of the people, the stabilization of prices, and having a healthy currency system, PBC decided to issue the second series of RMB (new RMB) in 11 different values on 3/1 1995. All notes of the new RMB carry text in Chinese, Tibetan, (traditional) Mongolian, and Uighur.

The first RMB (old RMB) shall be exchanged at the rate of 1 new RMB = 10,000 old RMB. After the issuance of the second series, all cash trading, pricing, lease, contract, debt, and balance shall be written in the new RMB. All previous debt, private or public, shall be paid in the new RMB at the appropriate exchange rate.

10 of the 11 value were issued on 3/1 1955, they were 1 Fen, 2 Fen, 5 Fen, 1 Jiao, 2 Jiao, 5 Jiao, 1 Yuan, 2 Yuan, 3 Yuan, 5 Yuan. 10 Yuan was issued on 12/1 1957. At the mean time, the State Council also promulgated the order of coin issuance for the convenience of circulation. The new coins 1 Fen, 2 Fen, and 5 Fen (aka Fen coins) were issued on 12/1 1957, and would be circulated concurrently with the Fen banknotes. Later, they altered the color and the guilloche of 1 Yuan and 5 Yuan. The black 1 Yuan and brown 5 Yuan were issued on 3/25 1961 and 4/20 1962 respectively. Therefore the number of types in the second series of RMB increased from 11 to 16. On 4/14 1964, PBC declared the "notice about withdrawing 3 types of banknotes", the 3 Yuan, 5 Yuan, and 10 Yuan dated 1953 cease to be legal tender on 5/15 1964.

The ¥3, ¥5(brown) and ¥10 notes of 1953 series were printed in the Soviet Union. As a result of the Sino-Soviet split, the use of them was halted on April 15, 1964 to be withdrawn and these banknotes were recalled completely on the May 15, 1964. Except for the ¥3, ¥5(brown), ¥10, ¥0.01, ¥0.02, and ¥0.05 banknotes , all banknotes were recalled completely on the January 1, 1999. The use of the three ¥0.01, ¥0.02, and ¥0.05 banknotes was halted on July 1, 2003 to be withdrawn and these banknotes were recalled completely on the April 1, 2007.

The design and production of the second series was highly valued by the leaders such as Zhou En-Lai or Chen Un. They personally review the whole case. During the course of design, Prime Minister Zhou provided some concrete and precious opinion, so that the theme stands out. The theme represents a new socialist China, revolution of the Communist Party of China, and the united people.

Note: The Sino–Soviet split was the gradual worsening of relations between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) during the Cold War (1945–91). Since 1956, the countries had (secretly) been diverging ideologically, and, beginning in 1961, the Chinese Communists formally denounced “The Revisionist Traitor Group of Soviet Leadership." In the 1960s, this intellectual divergence became critical, continuing until the late 1980s — yet was rendered moot with the USSR’s disestablishment in 1991. Their doctrinal divergence owed as much to Chinese and Russian national interest, as with the régimes’ interpretative Marxist ideologies.

RARE: CHINA 1982 PROOF SET OF 8 COINS

2009-11-25T20:21:00.003+08:00

Bank of China issued proof sets of circulated coins from 1981 to 1986, consisting of seven coins (1, 2, 5 Fen and 1, 2, 5 Jiao and 1 Yuan) and one lunar year medal. The Fens were made with Al-Mg alloy, Jiaos with Cu-Zn alloy, and Yuan with Cu-Ni alloy. The planned mintages were 10,000. Those sets were not for sales but as gift to foreign VIP ( actually, these proof set was given to an uncle of mine when he followed our previous Prime Minister " Tun Mahathir" during a trade mission to China on that year). The actual mintage is believed to be lower than the planned mintages. For example, the actual mintages of 1985 and 1986 proof sets are 4,825 and 660 respectively. The current value for 1985 is about $600-$750 and 1996 is more than $6,000.

There are UNC mint sets for 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983 and 1985. Again UNC sets have a very low mintage. 1979 UNC set has three coins (1, 2, 5 Fens) only, in a blue PVC wallet with a planned mintage of 10,000, while 1980 set has 7 coins and 1 medal in a blue or a black wallet with a planned mintage of 10,000. Both 1979 and 1980 were produced at Shengyang Mint. 1981 UNC set was also produced at Shengyang Mint, housed in a red wallet, with a planned mintage of 13,400, while 1981 proof set was produced at Shanghai Mint. 1982 and 1983 proof sets also were produced at Shanghai Mint. There are two different 1984 proof sets. Shanghai Mint produced a small date 1 Yuan, while Shengyang Mint had a large date 1 Yuan. The medal (rat) of Shanghai Mint is made of red copper while Shengyang is Cu-Zn alloy.

The following circulated coins, between 1979-1986, are very rare, regardless proof or UNC; 1979 5 Fen, 1980 2 Fen & 5 Fen, 1981 1 Fen & 5 Fen, 1982 1,2,5 Jaio & 1 Yuan, 1984 1, 2, 5 Jaio & 1 Yuan, 1985 2 Jaio, 1986 1, 2, 5 Jaio & 1 Yuan. It is my understanding that very limited UNC 1, 2, 5 Jaio & 1 Yuan minted in 1982 and 1984. It is also my understanding that no 1, 2, 5 Jaio and 1 Yuan UNC coins were minted in 1986.

Bank of China also issued proof and UNC sets from 1991 to 2000. The planned mintages for proof sets are 20,000. There is no mintage information available for UNC sets.

This Proof set should be valued at about US$xxx,xxx.00

APOLOGY

2009-11-09T12:12:00.002+08:00

So sorry that I have not yet update my blog lately (nearly 2 months). But I will still try my best to do the updating soon once I have cleared my work backlog.

I have been thinking... The Malaya JIM notes are getting very boring to do.. just talking about Prefix and minor variation... so my next updating could be that I will switch from these JIM notes to a more but confusing banknotes:- THE PUPPET GOVERNMENT OF CHINA BANKNOTES AND COINS, WITH REGARD TO MANCHUKUO, MONGOLIA, THE HUA HSING BANK, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHINA AND THE CENTRAL RESERVE BANK OF CHINA AND SOME OF THE PROPAGANDA BANKNOTES TOPICS.

These banknotes are of such of great historically value, especially in all kind of varieties and the reasons why Japan wanted to conquer China so desperately.

Lately, these banknotes are getting momentum of interests. From my observation, and also my late trip to China in October 2009, these banknotes quality and quantity is dwelling and getting expensive. I just couldn't find good quality in China, meaning someone, somewhere and somehow are collecting them.

Hope it could be a interest to you.

PART 3 - THE JAPANESE INVASION BANKNOTES IN MALAYA ( 1941 - 1945) - COUNTERFEITS & REPLICAS

2009-09-21T12:16:00.001+08:00

Most probably next week, I will try to update on the most interesting issue of the JIM notes : The Counterfeited and the Replicas banknotes.

Then later will be the "VICTORY" (VJ) notes; identifying the genuine and the counterfeits of the "VJ"

PART 2 - THE JAPANESE INVASION BANKNOTES IN MALAYA ( 1941 - 1945)

2009-09-21T09:41:00.005+08:00

1 Dollar – Description

Obverse: Engraved, blue-gray with pink and greenish-gray tint: breadfruit tree left, coconut palm right;

Reverse: Blue

Size: 140 x 68 mm

1. Specimen ( Very Rare)

Red wording “Mihon” (Japanese wording meaning specimen) twice on Obverse;

English script “ Specimen” on Reverse

(I still yet to acquired these banknotes)

2. 1^st Series

2 Block letters with Serial Number, No Watermark

Prefix Known To Exist: MA (S/N) and MB (S/N)

Rare Prefix: Both Prefixes as above (Especially in high grades)

3. 2nd Series

2 block letters.

Prefix Known To Exist: MB – MO, MR and MS

Rare Prefix: MB

Scarce Prefix: MC – MN

4. Cancelled & Unfinished 1 Dollar Banknotes

i) Cancelled with ragged 14 – 17mm hole

ii) Unfinished note with No Block letters or SN

(I still yet to acquired these banknotes)

5 Dollars – Description

Obverse: Engraved. Maroon with orange and pink tint, coconut palm left, pawpaw right:

Reverse: Purple Brown

Size: 151 x 71 mm

1. Specimen ( Very Rare)

Red wording “Mihon” (Japanese wording meaning specimen) twice on

Obverse;

English script “ Specimen” on Reverse

(I still yet to acquired these banknotes)

2. 1^st Series

2 Block letters with Serial Number, No Watermark

Prefix Known To Exist: MA (S/N) and MB (S/N)

Rare Prefix: Both Prefixes as above (Especially in high grades)

3. 2nd Series

a). 2 block letters with Watermark

Prefix Known To Exist: MB – MK, MN, MO, MP and MR

Scarce Prefix: MB – MJ ( Especially in high grades)

b) Same as (a) :- 2 block letters with Watermark but in horizontal Quardrille paper

Prefix Known To Exist: MK and MR

10 Dollars – Description

Obverse: Engraved. dark blue with yellow and violet tint; .bananas, breadfruit, and coconuts center.

Reverse: Light blue with ship on horizon.

Size: 162 x 78 mm

1. Specimen ( Very Rare)

Red wording “Mihon” (Japanese wording meaning specimen) twice on Obverse;

English script “ Specimen” on Reverse

(I still yet to acquired these banknotes)

2. 1^st Series

2 Block letters with Serial Number, No Watermark

Prefix Known To Exist: MA (S/N) and MB (S/N)

Rare Prefix: Both Prefixes as above (Especially in high grades)

3. 2nd Series

a). Same as 1^st Series but 2 block letters with “M” (vertical side); with Watermark

Prefix Known To Exist: MB - MP

Scarce Prefix: MB - MD (Especially in high grades)

b) Same at in (a) but in horizontal quardrille paper.Prefix Known To Exist: MN & MP

c) Obverse: Engraved. gray blue with; .bananas, breadfruit, and coconuts center.

Block letter “MP” and “MN” with splayed side on “M”.

Reverse: Green with ship on horizon. ; No Watermark but with Silk Threads on both sides.

4. Others Unusual Varieties Of the $10 Banknotes

i) As in (b) in 2^nd Series, ; Block letter “MN” with the left block “N” inverted.

(I still yet to acquired these banknotes)

100 Dollars – Description

Obverse: Engraved.Brown with gray and purple tint; hut under palms; Block MT with “M” Vertical sides.

Reverse: brown with man and buffalos in rivcr

Size: 162 x 78 mm

1. Specimen ( Very Rare)

Red wording “Mihon” (Japanese wording meaning specimen) twice on Obverse;

English script “ Specimen” on Reverse

(I still yet to acquired these banknotes)

2.1 ^st Variety

i) As described above.

Prefix Known to Exist: MT

ii) Same as in (i) but on Horizontal Quadrille paper

ii) Same as in (i) but on Diagonal Quadrille paper

(I still yet to acquired these banknotes)

iii) Same as in (i) but with face plate deep purple in colour. (Scarce)

3. 2nd Variety

i) Brown and gray; back brown; design as in 1^st Variety (i); No Watermark but with Silk threads; block

MT. Block letter “M” is with splayed sides.

4. 3rd Variety

Obverse:- Brown and gray-green, rubber plantation right;

Reverse:- Green with native houses and seashore: no watermark, paper with silk threads; Block letters in Red

i) As above. Obverse plate 154 – 156mm, with un

derprint in dark green; Reverse :- fine details vignette.(Note:- The underprint of this note has a ribbon of “00”s ascending from lower left.)

ii) As above: Obverse plate is 158 – 159mm, with underprint pale and more gray. Reverse:- Vignette in crude print.(Note:- The underprint of this note has a ribbon of “100”s ascending from lower left)

THE JAPANESE INVASION IN MALAYA - A Brief History

2009-09-16T22:40:00.002+08:00

Early on the morning of 9 December 1941 (7 December east of the international date line) the Japanese moved on northern Malaya. landing naval forces near Kota Bharu. The British thought that their positions were secure but found themselves being driven south toward Singapore. After two months the Japanese had pushed the British into an untenable position; General Percival surrendered to General Yarnashita in Singapore on 15 February 1942.

The Japanese held Malaya and Singapore through the remainder of the war. Japan initially intended to annex Malaya directly into the empire as a colony. The island of Sumatra, part of the military administration of Malaya. was to be included. In late 1943 Sumatra was transferred to the military administration of the Netherlands East Indies and the Japanese began to talk of autonomy for Malaya. No date was set for this event and no separate administration was established in Malaya before the end of the war. After the Japanese surrender. Malaya was returned to British control and gained independence in 1957.

Malayan dollars (JIM) were carried into Malaya and North Borneo in December 1941 and remained in use through the end of the war, although the issue changed somewhat during this time. The high denominations issued initially have engraved faces: some of these pieces are also serially numbered.

After the Japanese established themselves in Malaya. new notes were issued, reportedly lithographed there but more likely in the Netherlands East Indies. Under the Southern Development Bank. notes up to $1000 were issued and lower valued notes declined in quality. When the Malayan JIM first became available in the United States. enterprising individuals advertised them as Japanese invasion money prepared for use in the United States. The only basis for this was the fact that the notes are denominated in dollars. From time to time elements of this story still surface.

PART 1 - THE JAPANESE INVASION BANKNOTES IN MALAYA ( 1941 - 1945)

2009-09-14T11:52:00.024+08:00

ONE CENT - Description

Obverse:-Dark blue and pate green:

Reverse:-Purplish blue; no watermark;

Size:- 96 x 46mm

Specimen

Red wording “Mihon” (Japanese wording meaning specimen) twice on Obverse;

English script “ Specimen” on Reverse

1^st Series

2 block letters. format MA

Prefix Known To Exist: MA - MZ

2^nd Series

Fractional block letters, format M!AA

Prefix Known To Exist: M/AA – M/AZ

Prefix Known To Exist: M/BA – M/BZ

Prefix Known To Exist: M/CA – M/CZ

Prefix Known To Exist: M/DA, M/DB AND M/DM

FIVE CENTS -Description

Obverse:-Reddish Brown and Grey

Reverse:-Brown; no watermark;

Size:- 100 x 48 mm

Specimen ( Very Rare)

Red wording “Mihon” (Japanese wording meaning specimen) twice on Obverse (see below);

English script “ Specimen” on Reverse

1^st Series

2 block letters. format MA

Prefix Known To Exist: MA - MZ

2^nd Series

Fractional block letters, format M!AA

Prefix Known To Exist: M/AA - M/AZ

(M/AH known to be non-existence)

Prefix Known To Exist: M/BA, M/BB, M/BG, M/BJ, M/BL, M/BM, M/BN, M/BO, M/BP & M/BQ

Scarce Prefix :- MA, MB and all prefixes of M/BXXX

Specimen Wording Design

Red wording “Mihon” (Japanese wording meaning specimen) &

English script “ Specimen” on Reverse

TEN CENTS - Description
Obverse:-Green and Light Blue:
Reverse:-Green; no watermark;
Size:- 105 x 51 mm

Specimen
Red wording “Mihon” (Japanese wording meaning specimen) twice on Obverse;
English script “ Specimen” on Reverse

1st Series
2 block letters. format MA
Prefix Known To Exist: MA – MZ

2nd Series
Fractional block letters, format M/AA
Prefix Known To Exist: M/AA – M/AZ
Prefix Known To Exist: M/BA – M/BZ
Prefix Known To Exist: M/CA , M/CA – M/CG, M/CI – M/CL, M/CN – M/CP AND M/CX Only.

Rare Prefix: MAA

Scarce Prefix: M/Cxxx prefixes

FIFTY CENTS

Description

Obverse:-Brown, Light Blue and Pink:

ReverseBrown:

Size:- 119 x 58 mm

Specimen ( with Prefix MC)

Red wording “Mihon” (Japanese wording meaning specimen) twice on Obverse;

English script “ Specimen” on Reverse

1^st Series (No Watermark)

2 block letters

Prefix Known To Exist: MA & MB

2^nd Series (With Watermark)

2 block letters.

Prefix Known To Exist: MC – MT

Rare Prefix: MA & MB

Scarce Prefix: MC

Getting Scarce Prefix: MD - MU

THE JAPANESE INVASION BANKNOTES IN MALAYA ( 1941 - 1945)

2009-09-14T06:42:00.004+08:00

Hi Friends,

Hopefully by end of this week, I could be able to upload my knowledge of the JIM used during the WW2.

I will be detailing what were the prefixes used, the forgeries, the counterfeits, the " VJ" ( this is the most interesting because of so many counterfeits and forgeries at the market now), the rare ones, and of course the story of JIM.

Then, hopefully again by later date, I could be able to upload the story of the Japanese Invasion into China, starting with the Manchukou till the last days of the war.

In the course of these uploading, I hope that, if you have more info on these notes, please update me by emailing me at john@rudyproject.com.my

So, please drop by to my blog if you are a serious JIM collectors.

John W. Ho

THE MYSTERIOUS 1962 1 CENT COIN MALAYA & BRITISH BORNEO

2009-09-06T21:38:00.002+08:00

Why I called the 1962 1 Cent coin a mysterious coin?.
Question that are in my mind and hope someone out there will be able to let me know.
i) Why it was minted, after all, there was no shortage in the 1 cent coin in 1962?
ii) Why was the keris (daggers) on the Obverse and not the Queen Elizabeth?
iii) Why was it not minted in 1963 and not until 1967?

Thanks.

RAREST: MALAYSIA COINS: 1967 PROOF SET. ONLY 500 MINTAGE.

2009-09-01T21:20:00.005+08:00

The rarest Malaysia coin set: THE 1967 PROOF SET which has the mintage of ONLY 500 SETS. The original set came with caps\ule and case but this set does not. Most of the original buyers simple threw away the case. So, I have to designed the folder myself. Hope you like it.

However, all these coins have multiple hairlines, possible due to the fact that the previous owner cleaned then carelessly with a cloth.

RARE: MALAYSIA COINS : 1970 BU SETS OF 1 CENT AND 20 CENTS ( COMES IN PAIR IN BU CONDITION.

2009-09-01T21:14:00.006+08:00

Malaysia only mint the 1 cent and 20 cents coins in 1970. This set consist of 2 1 cent and 2 20 cents coins as show. Very low mintage.

RARE: MALAYSIA COINS: 1967 SET IN BU CONDITION

2009-09-01T21:10:00.004+08:00

This is the rare 1967 BU set Malaysia Coins with denomination from 1 cents to 50 cents.

This set does not have any original casing but I designed the folder myself. Hope you like it.

MALAYSIA SCARCE: 7TH SERIES RM500 SIGNED BY JAFFAR HUSSEIN IN CHOICE UNC CONDITION

2009-09-01T11:08:00.004+08:00

MALAYSIA SCARCE : 1ST SERIES RM5 SIGNED BY ISMAIL ALI IN UNC CONDITION

2009-09-01T10:49:00.006+08:00

THE HISTORY OF CHINA PROPAGANDA BANKNOTES DURING THE WORLD WAR 2 WITH THE JAPANESE IMPERIAL ARMY

2009-09-01T00:13:00.009+08:00

“To capture the enemy's entire army is better than to destroy it; to take intact a regiment, a company, or a squad is better than to destroy them.

For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence.

Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy. Next best is to disrupt his alliances by diplomacy. The next best is to attack his army. And the worst policy is to attack cities” - Sun Tze

The history of Chinese propaganda currency is so rich. Some were imprinted with "Secret Symbols on WWII Occupation notes of China, and some were "Propaganda Banknotes”. Chinese printers who prepared the banknotes for the puppet banks under Japanese authority allegedly placed a number of propaganda symbols on the various banknotes that they designed. These may or may not be actual propaganda. Chinese patriots say that they are, others doubt the claims. There were a great number of banknotes stamped with anti-Japanese slogans. The Chinese partisans took the puppet bank currency and stamped remarks on it like "Do not trade with the Japanese devils," "The Japanese are ba

stards," "Down with the Japanese military clique," and "Resist Japan, build the nation." There are dozens of such notes with rubber-stamped and printed slogans.

There were a great number of banknotes stamped with anti-Japanese slogans. The Chinese partisans took the puppet bank currency and stamped remarks on it like "Do not trade with the Japanese devils," "The Japanese are bastards," "Down with the Japanese military clique," and "Resist Japan, build the nation." There are dozens of such notes with rubber-stamped and printed slogans. Examples as below:-

Kwangtung Provincial Bank 2 chiao (20 cents) note of 1935 with partisan slogan, "Down with the Japanese military clique." The slogan appears in various shades and fonts, some appear rubber-stamped, others appear printed.

The Bank of Communications 1 yuan note of 1935 with partisan slogan,

“Resist Japan, rebuild the nation.”

Central bank on front red horizontal OP Central Bank of China 10 yuan of 1936 with central slogan "Public interest convertible bond," and partisan slogan at the four corners of the frame, "Resist the enemy, build the nation." The overprints are found in various combinations of red and blue and known on at least three Chinese banknotes.

China Propaganda banknotes during WW2 - Federal Reserve Bank Of China Banknote 1 Yuan (1938 1st Series)

2009-09-01T00:08:00.007+08:00

Federal Reserve Bank of China - 1938 (1 Yuan - 1st series), 1938-1940 (1 Yuan - 2nd series) & Hua Hsing Commercial Bank - 1940 (10 Yuan - 2nd series)

Sometimes the Chinese were less subtle. Two Federal Reserve Bank of China notes and 1 Hua Hsing Commercial Bank depict Confucius allegedly making an obscene finger gesture while striking a typical pose with folded hands.This vignette was later revised, so there may be some truth to the story. The note is actually known as "The Vulgar Wiseman" by collectors.

Smith and Matravers say about this vignette:

The “worthy” who appears on the note is making an obscene gesture…This has been widely interpreted as a patriotic gesture of the part of the Chinese engraver to show distaste for the Japanese occupiers of Northeast China. The theory is probably correct but it does not explain the puzzling failure of the Japanese to get the

message.

China Propaganda banknotes during WW2 - Federal Reserve Bank Of China Banknote 1 Yuan (1938 - 1940 2nd Series)

2009-09-01T00:00:00.004+08:00

Again, The Chinese had printed another series, depicts Confucius allegedly making an obscene finger gesture while striking a typical pose with folded hands. For the second time, right under the nose of the Japanese Army.

This vignette was revised by the Japanese Government still had not noticed the "The Vulgar Wiseman" gesture.

The above note is a contemporary forgery.

China Propaganda banknotes during WW2 - Central Reserve Bank Of China 10 Yuan Banknote (1940)

2009-08-31T23:56:00.004+08:00

This banknote depicts 10 turtles hidden in the border. The turtle is held in low regard by the Chinese and Japanese because it lays eggs and then leaves them. The children are like fatherless bastards. A subtle insult by the Chinese.

Smith and Matraver add:

The turtle, of course, is an animal held in low regard by both the Chinese and the Japanese. Its appearance on these notes undoubtedly amused the substantial majority of Chinese who opposed the Nanking government, but if the Japanese military authorities were not amused, they did nothing to halt the continued issue for an extended period.

Bruce W. Smith adds:

In regard to the meaning of the turtles I was told by one Chinese specialist that "turtle’s egg" is a swear word in North China. It is equivalent to "Bloody bastard."

Harry W. Atkinson says:

"Egg of a turtle" is an insult. I would warn anyone against calling the chef in his favorite Chinese restaurant, "Wang Ba Doon," especially if the chef has a knife in his hand. "Egg of a turtle" is such a crude and insulting remark to a Chinese steeped in ancestor lore that decent Chinese hesitate to even say or write the characters fore this term.

China Propaganda banknotes during WW2 - Central Reserve Bank Of China 100 Yuan Banknote (1942)

2009-08-31T23:51:00.004+08:00

This banknote allegedly has the muzzles of wolves in the border. The back to back wolves are claimed to represent Japanese rapacity and greed. Perhaps not such a subtle comment. Harry W. Atkinson says about the wolves:

Comments about the wolf are contained in the classic edition of Outlines of Chinese Symbolism and Art Motives, by C.A.S. Williams. About the wolf he wrote, "Regarded as the emblem of cupidity and rapaciousness, being compared to an official who exacts money unfairly from the people in the shape of unauthoized taxation."

Bruce W. Smith adds:

There might be something to the wolf story. The Chinese did indeed compare the Japanese to wolves. In fact, there is a Chinese communist stamp that depicts the Japanese as a wolf.

China Propaganda banknotes during WW2 - The Central Reserve Bank Of China 200 Yuan Banknote ( 1944)

2009-08-31T23:24:00.005+08:00

This banknote bears the hidden letters "USAC" on the front and back. Those letters allegedly stand for "United States Army Coming." The characters "U" and "S" are hidden on the back; the "A" and "C" on the front.The "U" is just left of the "2" in the diagonal "200" at the lower left; the "S" about 3 mm below the base of the "2" in the large "200" centered at right. The "A" is in the margin scrollwork beneath the chop at the lower right; the "C" is between the first two large Chinese characters in the three-character group centered at left.

Major Japanese puppet banks experienced difficulties with patriotic engravers who inserted propaganda messages or the like on the plates. The engraver of this 200 yuan note was Chang Chi Wei. He placed the letters in the note as a symbol of Chinese resistance to the Japanese occupiers. The Japaneselater discovered the meaning of the lettersand executed the engraver.

Those who doubt the story of the patriotic marks point out that the Chinese often placed secret marks on their stamps and banknotes as an anti-forgery device. However, it was more often that they used western letters rather than Chinese characters because a Chinese counterfeiter would be less likely to recognize the letters. The most commonly seen letters on Chinese stamps are "C," "S," and "T," although others have been used. Although there is no doubt that the hidden letters really appear on the banknote, their meaning is in doubt. They might be patriotic symbols, or they might been as counterfeiting devices, so personal conclusion required here.

China Propaganda banknotes during WW2 - Central Bank Of China 50 Cents Banknote 1940

2009-08-31T23:16:00.005+08:00

In this banknote, the chinese engravers added letters to the scrollwork on the banknotes. On the Central Reserve Bank of China 50 cents note of 1940 they dispersed the English letters "C G W R S." The letters allegedly represent "Central Government Will Return Soon."

The Central Reserve Bank was chartered 19 December 1940 under the authority of Wang Ching-Wei, chief of the pro-Japanese collaborationist government.

The English letters "CGWRS" are dispersed within the scrollwork above and below the word "Reserve" on the back. In the upper scrollwork four letters are in a line from left to right in the following order: "G," "R," "C," and "W." The "S" is at upper center in the lower scrollwork. The front of the note contains five hidden Chinese characters that have a similar meaning, located on the Sun Yat Sen mausoleum and in the trees surrounding the mausoleum.

The true meaning of the letters has been questioned, but "Central Government Will Return Soon" was a popular and well known propaganda slogan, so there is some reason to believe that these symbols were hidden on the banknote for propaganda purposes.

This banknote underwent three printings, with color changes, without the propaganda being detected by the Japanese. The 50 cent banknotes are found in red-brown, orange, and purple. This is the only known example of the type which seems to have upset the Japanese to some degree. The message interpreted by all to mean “U.S. Army Coming 1945,” was correct as it turned out. The guilty engraver spent the remaining year of the war hiding in Hong Kong.

SCARCE: MALAYSIA 4TH SERIES 50 RINGGIT ( RM50 ) SIGNED BY AZIZ TAHA IN GEF CONDITION

2009-08-31T11:56:00.008+08:00

A very good and scarce banknote, especially in higher conditions.

MOST IMPORTANT TOOL THAT YOU MUST HAVE WHEN YOU BUY BANKNOTES

2009-08-30T14:24:00.007+08:00

HOW SURE ARE YOU THAT YOUR PRECIOUS BANKNOTES WERE NEVER CHEMICALLY WASHED BEFORE???

Until last year, I was buying many banknotes on ebay and from money fairs and I was paying thousands of dollars, thinking that I have brought the best banknotes. I smelled, I looked against the light, I scanned over the colour and convinced that what I brought were unwashed note.

That was until last year when I travelled to Italy and met up with some optical lens experts and were taught that a "black" UV light ( just like the CSI movies) can detect any chemical residue left behind on any surface if there were some cleaning. I then purchased a UV photochromic activator torch ( just like the one in the images here) and shone it on some of my precious banknotes.

Oh my gosh!!! I discovered that at least 20% of my "treasure" were chemically washed, especially those banknotes that I brought through ebay Singapore and even from reputed retailers. I was so heart broken that I almost gave up my banknotes collection... because there are so many dishonest seller out there.

ARE YOU VERY SURE THAT YOUR BANKNOTES ARE NOT CHEMICALLY WASHED??? If you are not sure, I would suggest you get hold of this UV Photochromic Activator to prove it to yourself and I am praying that you are right.....

I have purchased only 5 pieces of these torch and I brought it for Euro 55 each last year. If you want, I can sell them at the same cost but you just pay for the postage and the 5% paypal transaction fee because.. I DON'T WANT YOU TO CONTINUE BUYING CHEMICALLY WASHED BANKNOTE FOREVER.

The next time you go to a money fair or buying online, you can just carry it along (only about 10cm long) and scan every banknotes before you buy them.. and if the sellers don't allow you to scan the banknotes, you better stay clear from them.

IT WILL SAVE YOU THOUSAND OF DOLLARS IN THE FUTURE, TRUST ME!!!

I AM VERY SURE THAT ALL THE BANKNOTES SELLERS WILL HATE ME FOR THIS!!!

By the way, this is not the same torch that you buy at the roadside UV light-torch.. This is the "Black) low UV Activator!!

Very Rare RM5 NZ Ahmad Dons Replacement & Printed by Thomas de la Rue. Gem UNC.

2009-08-30T13:03:00.005+08:00

This is one of the RAREST Malaysian Banknote which is the 6th Series 5 Ringgit (RM5) "REPLACEMENT" NZ. Not many people/collectors knew about it scarcity but the last 2 notes that were done on ebay / offline were at USD235. The existing 2009 catalogue only priced it at only USD 28.

AUSTRALIA 2005 $5 POLYMER BANKNOTE IN UNC CONDITION

2009-08-30T12:33:00.003+08:00

BAHAMAS 4 SHILLINGS AND 10 SHILLINGS ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS GOVERMENT

2009-08-30T12:31:00.001+08:00

AUSTRALIA 1 POUND ISSUE BY THE RESERVE BANK OF AUSTRALIA IN AU CONDITION

2009-08-30T12:30:00.002+08:00

AUSTRALIA 1 POUND ISSUE BY THE COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA IN AU CONDITION

2009-08-30T12:29:00.000+08:00

MALAYA 1940 $10 KING GEORGE VI PURPLE BANKNOTE IN AVF CONDITION

2009-08-29T22:24:00.006+08:00

THIS IS THE RARE $10 (PURPLE) BANKNOTE ISSUED IN 1940 IN AVF CONDITION. NO WASH, NO HOLE.

The Board of Commissioners of Currency Malaya commissioned Waterlow and Sons to design and print a new set of bank notes with the portrait of King George 6th., for use in the Straits Settlements and Malaya States.

A set of proofs, printed on watermarked bank note paper and dated 1st. January, 1939 were prepared. The proofs were $1 in Green, $5 in Blue and $10 in Purple. The Proofs were accepted and the bank notes were printed with the 1st. January, 1940 date.

The $10 (purple) were shipped to Malaya and issued to the general public.

The $1 and $5 bank notes were being shipped separately to British Malaya by the merchantman Automedon but were lost on 11th. November, 1940 to the German raider Atlantis in the Indian Ocean. The bank notes were sent to Japan. Subsequently, a few bank notes were apparently issued by the Japanese during their occupation of Malaya.

In 1945, after the surrender of the Japanese and the return of the British, the bank notes issued had the same design but the colours assigned had been changed. The $1 had been changed from Green to Blue, the $5 from Blue to Green and the $10 from Purple to Red. The bank notes were dated 1st. July, 1941

Observations on the $10 issues.

Serial numbers	PURPLE	A/1 000001 to A/83 0xxxxx
	BROWN	A/84 064729 to A/84 064729
	RED	A/85 040551 to J/?

Table 1

All serial numbers start with zero, therefore only 100,000 per block letter/number.

Here is a scenario that probably took place in the 12 months prior to the British surrender of Singapore on 15th. February, 1942.

In 1941 there was a need for more $10 bank notes, but after the $1 Green and $5 Blue were lost to the Germans in November, 1940, contingency plans for additional security had to be made, in case another shipment of bank notes was to be captured.

As a result, the Purple $10 was discontinued and replaced by the BROWN issue, which was printed in England, and 100,000 bank notes with the serial prefix A/84 were shipped to Malaya and ISSUED BEFORE the Japanese invasion. Obviously, not many got into the hands of the general public.

The Japanese invaded Malaya on 7th. December, 1941 and when it was apparent that the surrender was inevitable, an order was made to destroy all stocks of bank notes in the vaults of the BCCM.

There was another Brown $10 in circulation before the war.

Could the brown be issued after the war?
Unlikely, as it is a well known fact that the RED $10 was the issue.

Could the colour been chemically changed from RED to BROWN?
Unlikely, as the lowest known is A/85.

Could the colour been chemically changed from PURPLE to BROWN?
Unlikely, but if so, then we will have the discovery of a PURPLE $10 dated 1st. July, 1941.

From the above, this $10 Purple Banknote was scarce as many were "lost" during the war and were replaced by the $10 Red banknote which is commonly found.

RARE: MALAYSIA 5TH SERIES 500 RINGGIT (RM500) SIGNED BY AZIZ TAHA IN GEF CONDITION

2009-08-29T21:59:00.003+08:00

This 5th Series RM500 banknote is another sought after collection. ONLY PREFIX ZV exists for this banknote, so it is rather scrarce, especially in GEF. This note has a minor stain (not foxing) on the right hand corner on the obverse.

Because of its low circulation, there is no "Replacement Note" on this RM500

CHINA: RARE COLLECTION : SAME SERIAL NUMBER XX00019663 FROM RMB1 TO RMB100

2009-08-29T21:50:00.004+08:00

These are one of the rare China Banknotes that have the same serial number XX 00019663 and in UNC conditions.

VERY RARE: $1,000 (BLACK MA) JAPANESE INVASION BANKNOTE IN MALAYA IN PMG GRADING: AU55 CONDITION

2009-08-29T12:45:00.005+08:00

A very rare piece of the $1,000 with BLACK MA PREFIX and graded by PMG at AU55.

According to the PMG Population Report as at 21 Sept 2009, there are only 4 pieces in graded form: PMG30, PMG55, PMG63 and PMG64

2 PIECES X MALAYSIA 11TH SERIES RINGGIT 5 (RM5) POLYMER BANKNOTE IN UNC CONDITION WITH NICE NUMBER: DD1111147 & DD1111148

2009-08-29T12:40:00.003+08:00

These are 2 pieces of the first Malaysia circulating banknotes in UNC conditions with a very nice serial number DD1111147 and DD1111148.

These banknotes are getting hard to get in UNC as most of these banknotes that were collected back by the Central Bank of Malaysia are being "recycled".

MALAYSIA 8TH SERIES 50 RINGGIT (RM50) 1998 COMMONWEALTH GAMES COPMMEMORATIVE BANK NOTE WITH FOLDER IN UNC CONDITION

2009-08-29T12:33:00.004+08:00

This is the 1998 Commonwealth Games Commemorative Polymer Banknote, which is alo the 1st polymer banknote issued by the Central Bank Of Malaysia.

It has a circulating issue of 500,000 pieces but no all have the folder that came with it. This note is getting more in demand by collectors, especially the new ones, and prices has been going up recently. Get it now before it run out.

SCARCE 1ST SERIES RM1,000 ( SA-RIBU ) BANKNOTE 1967

2009-08-27T23:00:00.006+08:00

Frankly, I believe all prices in any available catalogue are understated for this banknote..

RAREST : 1959 BANKNOTES OF THE MALAYA AND BRITISH BORNEO (TEST PRINTED BUT WERE NEVER ISSUED FOR CIRCULATION)

2009-08-25T23:41:00.009+08:00

In 1950, the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya and British Borneo was formed for the sole purpose of establishing a standard currency for common circulation in member countries namely the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, British North Borneo (presently known as Sabah), Sarawak and Brunei. Similar to the currencies issued during the Straits Settlements era, the intended currency was also to be backed by Sterling to

the value of two Shillings and four Pence for every Dollar.

Between 1953 to 1961, coins with denomination of I Cent, 5 Cents, 10 Cents, 20 Cents and 50 Cents with bust of Queen Elizabeth on obverse and legend “Malaya and British Borneo” on reverse, were issued for circulation. To complement these coins, a set of paper currency with value of $1, $5, $10, $50, $100, $1000 and $10000 with obverse bearing the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, watermark of a tigers head and the signature of Sir W. C. Taylor were also issued. The reverse of these notes bore the crests of the Federation of Malaya and its eleven member states, namely Perak, Pahang Negri Sembilan, Perils, Kedah, Kelantan, Trengganu, Johore, Penang and Malacca, Singapore, British North Borneo, Sarawak and Brunei.

It was during Japanese occupation that people began to realise that colonisation had not spare them the fate of being invaded by the Japanese. The struggle during the short span of 3 years of Japanese occupation had inculcated a sense of self independence amongst the people. Thus, with the surrender of the Japanese and the return of the British, peoplewere unwilling to be under colonial rules again an

d the urge to be independent became

vocal.

In July 1955, the UMNO-MCA-MIC Alliance led by Tunku Abdul Rahman contested in the First General Election and emerged winner with a majority of 51 out of 52 seats, confirming the unanimous desire of the people to be independent. It was not until 31st August 1957 that the Queen of England and the governors of Malaya signed the Treaty of Malaya Federation and officially announced the independence of the Federation of Malaya.

Singapore too entered into a new political era at about the same time. In May 1959,under the new constitution, the first General Election was held to form the first Parliament. People’s Action Party led by Mr Lee Kuan Yew won by a majority and this decisively marked the end of colonial rule in Singapore.

After independence of the Federation of Malaya, Bank Negara Tanah Malaysia was incorporated on 26th January 1959 (in accordance with the provision of the Act of the Malaya Central Bank). The main objective of the Bank was to issue its own currency to enhance the growth and stability of the country’s economy. Under the Act, the Bank had the sole right to issue currency for the Federation of Malaya only. However, the Bank could only have this authority to issue currency after the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya and British Borneo terminated. . Thus, for the sole use of the Federation of Malaya, the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya and British Borneo had specially ordered the design of a set of notes with face value of $1, $5, $10, $50, $100, $1000 and $10000 to be issued on 21st March 1959 after the Independence.

The obverse of these notes would still bear the signature of Sir W C Taylor but to highlight the independence of the Federation of Malaya, the portrait and legend of Queen Elizabeth was omitted and the reverse bore only the crests of the Federation of Malaya.

However, if this set of notes were to be issued, it might precipitate an irrevocable severance of monetary relations with Singapore and the Borneo territories as they were sharing another common currency at that time. Because of this, these notes were never issued. Instead, the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya and British Borneo made some amendments to the original design and issued both the $1 and $10 notes only.

On 1st March1959 the $1 was issued. The rubber tapper on the obverse of the original design was replaced by the fisherman sailing boat and the note was signed by the then Financial Chairman, Mr Lee How Sect. The reverse of the note, however, remained unchanged. The $10 note was issued on 1st March 1961, the obverse bore the original design of a farmer with a buffalo ploughing the padi field while the wordings at the left bottom corner was amended. The note was signed by the then Financial Chairman, Tun Tan Siew Sin. The reverse was totally amended. Both the reverse of $1 and $10 notes bore the crest of the Federation of Malaya as well as the legend of Singapore, Borneo, Sarawak and the State of North Borneo. (The crest of the 11 states of Malaya had been omitted).

On 27th May 1961, Tunku Abdul Rahman officially announced the proposal of the formation of “Malaysia” and on 3rd June the same year; National Day of the State of Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan Yew announced his support. Shortly after, the two governments met and an agreement was made. Singapore would look after her own

labour and educational affairs and leave the defence, foreign affairs and internal security to the Malayan authority. On 9th July 1963, governors of the different states met at London for the last time to prepare for the incorporation of the “Malaysia Agreement” by the Federation of Malaya, England, the States of North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore.

Brunei opted out when the financial arrangements and the authority of the Sultans could not reach an agreement.

On 31st August 1963, Malaysia finally gained independence. With that, the Bank Negara Malaysia took over the sole right to issue currency from the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya and British Borneo and this authority extended to include all states of Malaysia.

On 9th August 1965, Singapore officially announced its separation from Malaysia and became an independent republic.

On 12th June 1967, Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei decided to issue their own separate currency. (Brunei, on 1st January 1984, became independent also).

On 18th November, 1967, the British government announced the depreciation of the Pound. Both Singapore and Malaysia government, however, decided that the new currency issued during June of that year will not be depreciated. The old currency issued by the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya and British Borneo could be exchanged for the new at the rate of $1 to $0.857. To avoid any disorder, the value of the I Cents, 5 Cents and 10 Cents coins remained unchanged and was allowed to be in circulation until new coins were issued. The currency issued by the board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya and British Borneo formally ceased to be in use after 15th January 1969.

1909 $1 STRAITS SETTLEMENTS "THE CRYING BANKNOTE" IN ???? CONDITION

2009-08-25T21:27:00.016+08:00

This is the RAREST 1909 $1 STRAITS SETTLEMENT BANKNOTE IN ( I REALLY DON'T KNOW HOW TO GRADE THIS NOTE) CONDITION.

IT IS TOTALLY ORIGINAL WITH NO WASHING ( WASHING??? ARE YOU SERIOUS???... I DON'T DARE TO TOUCH IT).

IT SHOULDN'T BE GRADED AS POOR BECAUSE IT IS ACTUALLY ABOUT aUNC CONDITION BUT THE TORN WAS NOT DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR USAGE BUT SOME WISE TERMITES WERE HAVING A TOO-GOOD TIME PARTYING AND HAD A GOOD SUPPER ON THIS BANKNOTE.

SERIOUSLY SPEAKING, IT SHOULD BE GRADED AS "NET" AU BUT WITH REMARKS. ANYWAY, IF ANY OF YOU KNOW HOW TO GRADE THIS NOTE, PLEASE ADVISE. OTHERWISE, I HAVE TO SEND TO PMG FOR GRADING.

THIS 1909 $1 NOTE IN UNC CONDITION IS CATEGORIED AS RM19,000 IN 2007!!! THAT IS WHY I AM CALLING THIS BANKNOTE AS " THE CRYING NOTE"!!!

I think this banknote was grossly underpriced during the Spink Auction in 2008 when an EF was dione at only RM9,000 which the catalogue is RM14,000. The trendlines have shown that breakout occured in 2000 and again in 2006.

1930$1 STRAITS SETTLEMENTS IN VERY RARE GEF CONDITION

2009-08-25T20:29:00.011+08:00

This is one of the most interesting chart I have ever seen:-
i) The UNC price is way above the EF price;
ii) Breakouts in all trendlines in all conditions since 2005
iii) High auction prices done

From this chart, we can see that the Spink Auction in last year for EF was way about the catalogue price then (at least by 30% more) - very unusual.

See also that Point A-D, breakouts occured since 2005. Usually, I forecast a breakout when the difference in prices between a banknote condition (say, EF here) is more than 50% of the preceeding price (that's, UNC) so, you can even see it coming in 1998, again in 2005 (but then it is too late). Really, charting is fun to get the best "before it shoots" price. In other word, any banknote of this year will just follow the UNC trend.

1953 $5 QUEEN ELIZABETH MALAYA in RARE AU CONDITION

2009-08-25T20:18:00.007+08:00

Same explanation as in the 1953 $10 banknote:-
From the above chart, I think that this banknote is totally over-supply. Most of the catalogu prices and auction prices were below the trendlines. Maybe, we need more time to get this $10 notes to be "fully absorbed" by collectors as many are still in the hands of the traders. But look carefully on the VF. It is very near to the trendline. My only explanation to this is many new buyers have entered to buy this banknote at lower grade... possible the lower end buyers. High profile buyers seem to be shy away,.. possible that they are still collecting the UNC "quietly).

But the good news to this scenario is to buy UNC (or at least AUNC) since it is still cheap.

1953 $10 QUEEN ELIZABETH MALAYA in AEF CONDITION

2009-08-25T19:53:00.007+08:00

From the above chart, I think that this banknote is totally over-supply. Most of the catalogu prices and auction prices were below the trendlines. Maybe, we need more time to get this $10 notes to be "fully absorbed" by collectors as many are still in the hands of the traders. But look carefully on the VF. It is very near to the trendline. My only explanation to this is many new buyers have entered to buy this banknote at lower grade... possible the lower end buyers. High profile buyers seem to be shy away,.. possible that they are still collecting the UNC "quietly).

But the good news to this scenario is to buy UNC (or at least AUNC) since it is still cheap.

1953 $100 QUEEN ELIZABETH ( MALAYA ) IN GVF

2009-08-25T16:52:00.010+08:00

This banknote is getting very hot in the market, especially high graded (VF - UNC?) and more so for unwashed ones. I have seem many in the markets that had been chemically washed but yet still fetching high price.

The above note is truly original and in a good VF condition.

Let's look at the chart:-

WOW!!! Just look at the Spink Auction Done Prices (Singapore July 2008) on Price X and Price Y. Way, Way above the catalogue price. (Excuse me for a moment... I need to revise my pricing for this note soon. So... anything from GVF to UNC, forget it... no more cheap prices. But sooner or later, the VF and F will follow suit....

1938 - 50 cents BRITISH NORTH BORNEO IN GOOD FINE COND.

2009-08-25T16:25:00.006+08:00

This British North Borneo (BNB) Banknote seem to be getting more and more rare, especially in higher grade conditions, if not a very high priced item. This note has not been chemically washed but I believe that it was washed by normal water and pressed. Still a very good note with few pinholes.
All catalogues available seem to lagging in the pricing for this note ( in fact, all BNB notes were unstated in pricing). If you were to follow catalogue price, chances you might not be able to buy ANY BNB banknotes.

1967 $100 MALAYSIA 1ST SERIES (ISMAIL ALI) IN GEF CONDITION

2009-08-25T07:02:00.009+08:00

This is currently a hot banknote, especially in GEF and above conditions. I listed this banknote and it was snapped up in just 1 day. Careful again on washed note. However most washed notes were to remove foxing (most probably due to high humility here).

There is also another variety for this note - " Broken Security Thread" which the prices is much higher. The last done price for this variety was: Spink 2008 - RM4,400.. Catalogue Price: RM2,350.

1941 $10 KING GEORGE VI MALAYA IN GVF CONDITION

2009-08-25T06:46:00.015+08:00

Really, these $10 Malaya banknotes that are available in the market, at least 60% were washed. Get a good original (like yours truly one as shown) .

1. 1941 $5 MALAYA KING GEORGE VI IN GVF

2009-08-25T05:57:00.012+08:00

Plenty of these banknote in the market, especially the washed ones. But if you can get hold of original, regardless of conditions, it would be a good buy. Please refer to Chart for buying tips.

From the above chart, all the prices in catalogues are trading below the trendline and floor auction prices. In other word, buying at current catalogues price will have the potential for advancing. I am using Steven Tan's current catalogue prices because I found it to be more realiable and prices are not "inflated".

1. 1959 $1 MALAYA & BRITISH BORNEO (BY TDLR) IN GEF CONDITION

2009-08-24T19:32:00.011+08:00

2. 1961 $10 MALAYA & BRITISH BORNEO WITH SMALL "A" PREFIX IN AUNC CONDITION

2009-08-24T18:42:00.012+08:00

This is the 1961 $10 Malaya & British Borneo (with "Small "A" Prefix) in About Uncirculated condition.

One way to identify whether this banknote is of "Small A" or "Big A" prefix can be done by the following:-

Prefix A/1 - A/79 ( Small A)
Prefix A/79 - A/above ( Big A)

1. 1929 $5 SARAWAK GOVERNMENT TREASURY BANKNOTE IN VF CONDITION

2009-08-24T16:36:00.013+08:00

This is a rare 1.7.1929 5 dollars banknote issued by the Sarawak Government Treasury with the portrait of Sir Charles Vyner Brooke. Original note with NO washing and no pinhole nor folding hole.
Please note that the prices in the VF and F conditions show that they are in SS=DD states. But if you again look into the last done price in Spink and Mavin, they showed otherwise. For the AVF and GVF respectively, they closed above the catalogue prices for 2009.

3. 1953 $50 QUEEN ELIZABETH MALAYA in RARE AUNC CONDITION

2009-08-24T15:33:00.015+08:00

This is a rare in About uncirculated 1953 $50 Malaya & British Borneo Banknote with the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and the respective states crests on the Obcerse and Reverse respectively. This banknote is geniunely original, no wash or pressed.

Most of these banknotes were chemically washed and pressed and to has it in this AUNC condition is a must for serious collector.

I did this projected and historical price movement graph for investment guide.
i) Point A - Breakout for UNC / AU - This point can be interpreted that the demand is very high for this condition.

ii) Point B - the EF, VF, and F conditions pricing seem to be understated in the catalogue. This can be explained that at Point X and Y, where the prices done on Spink.

Point X - A GEF sold at RM2,200 but catalogue priced at only RM1,500 for EF.

Point Y - A GVF sold at RM1,009 but catalogue priced at only RM800 for VF.

So, in my opinion, the demand is still very strong for UNC / AUNC conditions for this $50 banknote.

1. BRITISH NORTH BORNEO RARE 1922 ONE DOLLAR ($1) IN AVF CONDITION

2009-08-24T00:34:00.009+08:00

This 1922 $1 British North Borneo (now called Sabah, Malaysia) in AVF condition is a rare piece. It is a big note ( measuring 197mm x 91mm). Several pinholes but not folding holes appeared in hole. The reason that most of these British North Borneo banknotes alway have pinholes are due to the fact that when payment were made then, these banknotes notes were stapled before handed to the receivers.

I also did this charting for the movement of this BNB banknotes from 1986 to earlier 2008 to potentially identify the movement of the pricing.

1. STRAITS SETTLEMENT 1934 10 DOLLAR AEF CONDITION

2009-08-24T00:14:00.009+08:00

This is a rare piece of the 1934 $10 in AEF condition. This banknote is original in nature (no chemical washing, pressing or done in any mean to improve its condition). No hole nor tear. The last Spink Auction done in Singapore in 2008 July, an Au condition was sold for US$10,800 , way above the catalogue price.

I also did this charting for the movement of this BNB banknotes from 1986 to earlier 2008 to potentially identify the movement of the pricing. You can note that the pricing on the available catalogues were grossly underpriced.Note the Breakouts on Point A and Point B ( Trendline for UNC and EF). What do these 2 points tell you??? Well, no more cheap UNC nor EF banknote for this $10. VF and F conditions for this note are still in their normal trendline movement until Year ???? but you can see that the prices for these 2 conditions still moving upward.