Malaysia Numismatic Celebrity

Do you meet any Malaysia Numismatic Celebrity lately? It has been a bit hot discussion with some online friends when one of them show the picture of Saran Singh that she encounter during her visit to Amcorp Mall. Exactly, have you meet any of our own Malaysia Pakar Numismatic (Malaysia Numismatic expert)? I had meet many of them but only last year I took pictures with them (for personal collection). Most of the sifu (expert) don't want to share their pictures online because they want to keep it low profile.

Do you know that you have a best chance to meet with all the best in Malaysia Numismatic this coming Saturday? Malaysia Numismatic Society will be conducting their MNS Auction no. 149 this Sunday on 25 September 2011 at 9am in Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, Muzium Negara, Jalan Petalawati, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. You may contact Mr. Lawrence at 012-3710951 for more details. Most of the sifu will be coming for that auction. You can also go to Dickson Niew blog and read more about the auction at Niewmismatic Mint Errors. One of the sifu in his field too (Malaysia Mint errors).

Who exactly that we can consider as Malaysia Numismatic Celebrity? For me, I like to meet all the sifu who had wrote a book of their own. So far, I had meet Steven Tan, KN Boon, Tony Lye Fong Nge and many more. I had seen Saran Singh many times before but I never had a chance to chat or take picture with him. Some of my friends also want to meet david@profxxx, a famous Malaysia eBay Powerseller. You can also go to his blog Malaysia Straits Banknote. He also got many knowledge in Malaysia numismatic but he rarely wrote a thing about Malaysia numismatic.

How about you? Who do you consider as Malaysia Numismatic Celebrity? Get a chance to meet some of them at MNS auction. Share your experience with everyone in here.

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Rugby World Cup 2011 Coins

Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC) will be starting in 2 days time. New Zealand will be hosting this year RWC starting on 9 September 2011 until 23 October 2011. 20 countries will be competing each others in 13 venues for the 7th world cup. I am not a big fan of Rugby but any big competition like this should had some collection to help us remember them when it is over. I had been searching for information on any Rugby World Cup coins for 2011 that I can find but I only found 4 Mint/coin dealers who launched such coins for coin collector.

New Zealand Post
-All Blacks Silver Proof Coin

2011 All Blacks Silver Proof Coin launched by New Zealand Post on 19 October 2010. The one ounce pure silver coin is authorised by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and, as per all New Zealand legal tender coins, has a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the ‘heads’ side. On the reverse of the coin, you can see Black face with a repeating fern pattern in low-relief, All Blacks logo and One Dollar are incused in silver. Read More.

-All Blacks-Haka Silver Coin 2011

All Blacks-Haka Silver Coin 2011 is the second coin issued by New Zealand Post. The coin portrays the All Blacks performing Te Rauparaha’s famous ‘Ka Mate’ haka before a match - a performance for which they are renowned the world over.The rim of the coin is engraved with Te Rauparaha’s renowned chant of the ‘Ka Mate’ haka: “Ka mate, Ka mate! Ka ora, Ka ora!” (“Will I die! Or will I live!”). Read More.

-2011 Webb Ellis Cup Coin

New Zealand Post with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has released an official legal tender commemorative coin featuring the Webb Ellis Cup. The Webb Ellis Cup is the trophy awarded to the winner of the Rugby World Cup. The Cup is named after William Webb Ellis, who is often credited as the inventor of rugby football. The trophy is silver gilt and has been presented to the winner of the Rugby World Cup since the first competition in 1987. Read More.

-RWC 2011 Champions Silver Proof set

New Zealand Post with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand also produced a RWC 2011 Champions Silver Proof Coin set. You will get the Webb Ellis Cup Coin and four other coins representing country that had won Rugby World Cup before;  Australia (twice, in 1991 and 1999), South Africa (twice, in 1995 and 2007), New Zealand (1987) and England (2003). Read More.

Perth Mint
-Wallabies-Men of Gold 2011

Wallabies-Men of Gold 2011 minted by Pert Mint. The coin’s reverse depicts a Wallabies player in action, holding a rugby ball. The design features the famous Wallabies green and gold colours and official logo.Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin’s obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination. Read More.

South African Gold Coin Exchange
-2011 Mandela SA Rugby

The South African Gold Coin Exchange (SAGCE) launched the new 2011 Rugby Coin Set on 31 August 2011. The coin set come with a 1/2oz gold and a 1oz silver coin. The reverse of the coin feature the Springbok emblem and the reverse show Mandela’s bust with the words “A Long Walk To Freedom”. The coin set minted by Mint of Norway and has a limited mintage of 2011 sets. They also launched an exclusive 2oz Mandela Rugby Set contains a 2oz gold and 2oz silver medallion. Read More.

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South Africa 2011 Rugby World Cup Set

Another Rugby World Cup 2011 coins minted is the commemorative 2011 Mandela SA Rugby. The South African Gold Coin Exchange (SAGCE) launched the new 2011 Rugby Coin Set on 31 August 2011. The coin set come with a 1/2oz gold and a 1oz silver coin. The reverse of the coin feature the Springbok emblem and the reverse show Mandela’s bust with the words “A Long Walk To Freedom”. The coin set minted by Mint of Norway and has a limited mintage of 2011 sets. They also launched an exclusive 2oz Mandela Rugby Set contains a 2oz gold and 2oz silver medallion that features Mandela’s bust on the obverse and the Springbok on the reverse. This 2oz Springbok set has a limited mintage of 500 and also minted by the Mint of Norway.

Although South Africa was instrumental in the creation of the Rugby World Cup competition, the Springboks did not compete in the first two World Cups in 1987 and 1991 because of boycotts against South Africa. However, on their debut in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the Springboks made South Africa proud by winning the final match against New Zealand 15 - 12. In 2007 the Springboks once again lifted the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup high by beating England 15 – 6.

This is more look like a medallion then a coin for me but I think it still a good collection to mention for Rugby World Cup 2011 Coins. You can contact South African Gold Coin Exchange at online@sagoldcoin.com to enquire about the Springbok coin set.

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RWC 2011 Champions Silver Proof Coin set

New Zealand Post with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand also produced a RWC 2011 Champions Silver Proof Coin set. You will get the Webb Ellis Cup Coin and four other coins representing country that had won Rugby World Cup before;  Australia (twice, in 1991 and 1999), South Africa (twice, in 1995 and 2007), New Zealand (1987) and England (2003). The coin minted according to their nation. Only 2011 sets a minted for this collection.

Rugby World Cup 2011 Webb Ellis Cup Coin.

Technical specification:

Denomination: One New Zealand dollar (NZD $1)

Composition

and finish: Silver proof (0.999), gold gilding (0.999)

Weight: 31.135g

Diameter: 40.0mm

Edge treatment: Milled

Shape: Round

Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England

Reverse design: The Webb Ellis Cup, selectively gold gilded and special high-relief

Mint: BH Mayer's Kunstprägeanstalt GmbH

The New Zealand Coin - exclusive to this set

The first-ever Rugby World Cup Tournament was hosted by New Zealand and Australia in 1987. The All Blacks faced a passionate French side in the Final at Eden Park and emerged victorious. The New Zealand silver proof coin has been struck from pure silver and shows an All Black in the 1987 uniform, fending off an opponent. The backdrop is a stylistic interpretation of the hammerhead shark (Mangopare) and the fern shoot (Koru) - the unique branding of RWC 2011.

Technical specification:

Denomination: One New Zealand dollar (NZD $1)

Composition

and finish: Silver (0.999)

Weight: 31.135g

Diameter: 38.85mm

Edge treatment: Milled

Shape: Round

Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England

Reverse design: All Black in New Zealand's 1987 kit fending off opponent

Mint: The Perth Mint

The Australia Coin - exclusive to this set

The Wallabies’ first victory came in 1991 in London, where they defeated the English in a close but low-scoring game. Their second triumph was in 1999 in Cardiff, Wales, against France. The pure silver Australia coin is legal tender in Australia and has been struck to proof quality. The prominent player is shown in the official 1991 Australian kit during a line-out. The coin also bears RWC’s stylised Webb Ellis Cup design in the background.

Technical specification:

Denomination: One Australian Dollar (AUD $1)

Composition

and finish: Silver proof (0.999)

Weight 31.135g

Diameter: 38.85mm

Edge treatment: Milled

Shape: Round

Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England

Reverse design: A line-out wit three Australian players from the 1991 Rugby World Cup

Mint: The Perth Mint

The South Africa Coin - exclusive to this set

South Africa entered and hosted the Tournament for the first time in 1995. Upon reaching the Final in Johannesburg, they faced the All Blacks and scored the winning drop goal in the last two minutes of extra time. Their second victory came in 2007 against France in Paris. The South African coin is 2 Rand and legal tender. Struck in proof quality fine silver, this coin pictures a player in South Africa’s 2007 kit running with the Rugby ball against a background of RWC’s stylised rugby ball image.

Technical specification:

Denomination: Two South African Rand (R2)

Composition

and finish: Silver proof (0.925)

Weight: 33.626g

Diameter: 38.725mm

Edge treatment: Milled

Shape: Round

Obverse design: The South African Coat of Arms. The word South Africa in all 11 official

languages forms a pattern around the Coat of Arms

Reverse design: A player in South Africa's 2007 kit running with the rugby ball, over Rugby World

Cup 2011 stylisied representation of a rugby ball

Mint: The South African Mint

The England Coin - exclusive to this set

In 2003 the Rugby World Cup Tournament returned to Australia and was revamped to include 20 teams and 48 matches. England and Australia were thrilled to meet at the Final in Sydney, where England obtained their first-ever Rugby World Cup Championship title during the last moments of extra time.The £5 coin has been struck from fine silver by the Royal Mint. This proof-quality coin is exclusive to this set, and captures an English player in the 2003 uniform performing a drop-kick. The background includes the stylised rugby ball fishbone graphic from the infamous Rugby World Cup Event Mark.

Technical specification:

Denomination: Five pounds (£5)

Composition

and finish: Silver proof (0.925)

Weight: 28.28g

Diameter: 38.61mm

Edge treatment: Milled

Shape: Round

Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England

(Jersey coin)

Reverse design: A player in England's 2003 kit kicking the rugby ball with the Rugby World

Cup 2011 stylised represenation of a rugby ball in the background

Mint: The Royal Mint

The item is still available at New Zealand Post website; RWC 2011 Champions Silver Proof Coin set or you can also buy them through selected New Zealand PostShop stores, at REAL Aotearoa stores in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, or by phoning 0800 782 677.

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2011 Webb Ellis Cup Coin

New Zealand Post with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has released an official legal tender commemorative coin featuring the Webb Ellis Cup. The Webb Ellis Cup is the trophy awarded to the winner of the Rugby World Cup. The Cup is named after William Webb Ellis, who is often credited as the inventor of rugby football. The trophy is silver gilt and has been presented to the winner of the Rugby World Cup since the first competition in 1987. It has been held by Australia (twice, in 1991 and 1999), South Africa (twice, in 1995 and 2007), New Zealand (1987) and England (2003).

The 2011 Webb Ellis Cup Coin is the first coin in the 2011 coin programme and the New Zealand Post official Rugby World Cup 2011 product range. Government issued and New Zealand legal tender, the $1 coin is produced to the highest standards of craftsmanship. The one-ounce pure silver proof coin showcases the competition’s prize at its centre, with the Webb Ellis Cup shining through in special high-relief 24-carat gold gilding. In celebration of this prestigious event, the 2011 Webb Ellis Cup Coin is beautifully presented in a laser-engraved wooden case, lined with velvet to keep the precious collectable safe. Each case is individually numbered and comes with an individually numbered certificate of authenticity. It’s a superb way to join the build-up to the 2011 Tournament, and is destined to become a treasure for generations

Technical specification:

Denomination: New Zealand one dollar (NZD $1)

Composition and finish: Silver proof (0.999), gold gilding (0.999)

Weight: 1 ounce

Diameter: 40.0mm

Edge treatment: Milled

Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England

Reverse design: The Webb Ellis Cup, selectively gold gilded and special high-relief to provide a 3D effect, Rugby World Cup 2011 event mark

Designed by: Cue Design, Wellington, New Zealand

Mint: BH Mayer’s Kunstprägeanstalt GmbH

Worldwide mintage limit: 15,000 (of which up to 12,000 will be available as individual coins)

The item is still available at New Zealand Post website; 2011 Webb Ellis Cup Coin or you can also buy them through selected New Zealand PostShop stores, at REAL Aotearoa stores in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, or by phoning 0800 782 677.

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All Blacks-Haka Silver Coin 2011

All Blacks-Haka Silver Coin 2011 is the second coin issued by New Zealand Post. The coin portrays the All Blacks performing Te Rauparaha’s famous ‘Ka Mate’ haka before a match - a performance for which they are renowned the world over. Continuing the ‘black’ theme of the first All Blacks coin, the uniforms of the front three rugby players are accurately represented in full colour - all black, with the team’s fern emblem emblazoned on the rugby jersey and shorts. The second row of rugby players is beautifully engraved in fine silver. The rim of the coin is engraved with Te Rauparaha’s renowned chant of the ‘Ka Mate’ haka: “Ka mate, Ka mate! Ka ora, Ka ora!” (“Will I die! Or will I live!”). 

This coin has a limited worldwide mintage of 3,000 coins and numbered certificates of authenticity, this New Zealand legal tender coin is a precious and highly collectable keepsake of your favourite rugby team. The 2011 All Blacks Coin: the haka sits in a striking black acrylic presentation panel, offering a modern way to display this precious coin. The acrylic panel is housed within a black leatherette box, which is embossed with the All Blacks logo. This official All Blacks licensed product is a fantastic sports souvenir and makes a truly memorable gift.

Technical specification:

Denomination: One dollar

Finish: Proof

Composition: 0.999 silver

Weight: 1oz

Diameter: 40mm

Edge treatment: Smooth edge engraved with the chant "Ka mate, Ka mate! Ka ora, Ka ora!"

Shape: Round

Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England

Reverse design: The All Blacks performing the 'Ka Mate' haka before a match

Mint: BH Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt GmbH

Worldwide mintage limit: 3000 coins

Haka coin Picture by stuff.co.nz

The item is still available at New Zealand Post website; 2011 All Black-Haka Coin or you can also buy them through selected New Zealand PostShop stores, at REAL Aotearoa stores in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, or by phoning 0800 782 677.

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Wallabies-Men of Gold 2011

Wallabies-Men of Gold 2011 minted by Pert Mint. The Wallabies have competed in all six Rugby World Cups, and won the World Cup on two occasions – in 1991 defeating England and in 1999 defeating France. The team competes annually with New Zealand and South Africa in the Tri-Nations Series. Within this series, they contest the Bledisloe Cup with New Zealand and the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate with South Africa. Currently, Australia is ranked second in the International Rugby Board World Rankings. The coin struck by The Perth Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality, the Wallabies – Men of Gold coin is the official coin of the Australian Rugby Union (ARU).

The coin’s reverse depicts a Wallabies player in action, holding a rugby ball. The design features the famous Wallabies green and gold colours and official logo. The design also incorporates the inscription MEN OF GOLD 2011 and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin’s obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination.

Technical Specification:

Silver Content (Troy oz) 1

Monetary Denomination (AUD) 1

Fineness (% purity) 99.9

Minimum Gross Weight (g) 31.135

Maximum Diameter (mm) 40.60

Maximum Thickness (mm) 4.00

Designer Ryan Vanderwiel

No more than 5,000 of these coins will be issued by The Perth Mint. The coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. The coin is housed in a classic display case and presented within a coloured shipper featuring the team colours. You can still buy this coin at Pert Mint Website: Wallabies-Men of Gold 2011.

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2011 All Blacks Silver Proof Coin

2011 All Blacks Silver Proof Coin minted by New Zealand Post on 19 October 2010. The one ounce pure silver coin is authorised by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and, as per all New Zealand legal tender coins, has a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the ‘heads’ side. The 2011 All Blacks Coin is the first commemorative coin release from New Zealand Post, under an exclusive licensing agreement with the New Zealand Rugby Union. On the reverse of the coin, you can see Black face with a repeating fern pattern in low-relief, All Blacks logo and One Dollar are incused in silver.

The 1 oz silver proof coin has been struck in 0.999 pure silver with a black reverse face. The coin is unmistakably All Blacks, and the black background is given even more impact with the fern design rendered in low-relief and clearly visible when viewed from different angles. Shining through in the centre of the coin is the ‘one dollar’ denomination and the official All Blacks logo shown in the strength of pure silver.

Technical specification:

Denomination: New Zealand one dollar (NZD $1)

Composition: Pure silver (0.999)

Finish: Silver proof

Weight: 1 ounce

Diameter: 40.0mm

Edge treatment: Milled

Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England

Reverse design: Black face with a repeating fern pattern in low-relief. All Blacks logo and One Dollar are incused in silver.

Mint: BH Mayer’s Kunstprägeanstalt GmbH

Worldwide mintage limit: 10,000 coins

The item is still available at New Zealand Post website; 2011 All Black Coin or you can also buy them through selected New Zealand PostShop stores, at REAL Aotearoa stores in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, or by phoning 0800 782 677.

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Kim Kardashian Gold Coin

A new Kim Kardashian Gold Coin will be released by Goldcoin.net to commemorate the wedding of Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries last Saturday. Each coin will be hand crafted and minted in 1 ounce 24 carat gold. GoldCoin.net has been releasing the prototype Commemorative gold coin of the first-ever Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries pure gold coins. From many celebrity news site I read looking for this information, Goldcoin.net have not talk with Kim Kardashian about producing such coin.

The obverse of the coins will feature Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries with their names displayed on the top and [their wedding date] “August 20, 2011″ displayed on the bottom. The reverse of the coins will feature Kim’s $2 million engagement ring with “Together Forever” displayed on the top and “Only Time Will Tell” displayed on the bottom. Kim’s $2 million engagement ring will also be in 3D on that coin.

When I searching for more information about the price and when the coins will be available at Goldcoin.net, no such info provided. Will you buy this coins for your investment? I know some die hard fan of Kim Kardashian will buy these.

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New Zealand Mint Star Wars Coins

Today, New Zealand Mint has released their New Zealand Mint Star Wars Coins. The item will only be available for shipping starting 1 November 2011. The coins have an official license from Lucasfilm Ltd and a legal tender to Niue Island. The series will be limited mintage and will surely be a collector items for Star Wars and coins collector fan. Currently they have 2 packages of 1 oz Silver; Darth Vader and Millenium Falcon sets. They also have a Silver Plated base metal coins with 10 Star Wars character, they are planning to release 40 of such item.

1. Star Wars Millenium Falcon coin set

For a 1oz of pure silver coins, New Zealand Mint will be producing two set of packaging. Each set come in four coins. The Star Wars Millenium Falcon set representing the rebel alliance. You will get four coins featuring a full coloured image of your favourite character duos of Luke Skywalker / Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi / Yoda, R2-D2 / C-3PO, Han Solo / Chewbacca and a Millenium Falcon Ship box. Open the Millennium Falcon case and hear authentic movie sound effects of the ship’s iconic “jump to light speed”. Read More.

2. Star Wars Darth Vader coin set

For a 1oz of pure silver coins, New Zealand Mint will be producing two set of packaging. Each set come in four coins. The Darth Vader set will be representing the dark side. You will get four coins featuring a full coloured image of the dark side including Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Death Star, Stormtrooper and a Darth Vader case. Open the Darth Vader case and hear authentic movie sound effects of Darth Vader breathing. Read More.

3. Star Wars $1 Silver Plated Coins

New Zealand Mint has launched their Star Wars $1 Silver Plated Coins. The coins will be legal tender coin set for Niue. A total of 40 coins will be released as Silver Plated base metal coins, and a unique 40 coin holder will be available later. For now, you can start to order your ten Silver Plated base metal coins. Read More.

You can order and buy your coin sets directly from New Zealand Mint; Star Wars Legal Tender coins.

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Star Wars Darth Vader coin set

For a 1oz of pure silver coins, New Zealand Mint will be producing two set of packaging. Each set come in four coins. The Darth Vader coin set will be representing the dark side. You will get four coins featuring a full coloured image of the dark side including Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Death Star, Stormtrooper and a Darth Vader case. Open the Darth Vader case and hear authentic movie sound effects of Darth Vader breathing. Only 7,500 of each coin will be issued by the New Zealand Mint. The coins are legal tender of Niue Island.

The first series includes eight 1oz 999 Silver coins depicting the characters of the Star Wars movies packaged in two unique four coin sets. The coins feature a full coloured image of Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Death Star, and a Stormtrooper. The obverse of the coin features The Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II sovereign of the commonwealth of Niue.

The silver coin series will be packaged as two unique sets of four coins. One will be the Darth Vader head, and the other the Millennium Falcon ship, representing the dark side and the Rebel Alliance. Open the Darth Vader case and hear authentic movie sound effects of Darth Vader breathing. Open the Millennium Falcon case and hear authentic movie sound effects of the ship’s iconic “jump to light speed”.

Each Star Wars set comes with an individually numbered certificate of authenticity issued by New Zealand Mint

Technical Specification:

Purity: 1oz Fine Silver 999

Country of Issue: Niue

Year of Issue: 2011

Denomination: $2

Diameter: 40mm

Finish: Proof Like

Mintage: 7,500

Price: USD391.66 including shipping

You can order and buy your coin sets directly from New Zealand Mint, read here; New Zealand Mint Star Wars coins.

Other related Star Wars Coins:

• Star Wars Millenium Falcon coin set
• Star Wars $1 Silver Plated Coins

Read More...

Star Wars Millenium Falcon coin set

For a 1oz of pure silver coins, New Zealand Mint will be producing two set of packaging. Each set come in four coins. The Star Wars Millenium Falcon coin set representing the rebel alliance. You will get four coins featuring a full coloured image of your favourite character duos of Luke Skywalker / Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi / Yoda, R2-D2 / C-3PO, Han Solo / Chewbacca and a Millenium Falcon Ship box. Open the Millennium Falcon case and hear authentic movie sound effects of the ship’s iconic “jump to light speed”. Only 7,500 of each coin will be issued by the New Zealand Mint. The coins are legal tender of Niue Island.

The first series includes eight 1oz 999 Silver coins depicting the characters of the Star Wars movies packaged in two unique four coin sets. The coins feature a full coloured image of your favourite character duos of Luke Skywalker / Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi / Yoda, R2-D2 / C-3PO, Han Solo / Chewbacca. The obverse of the coin features The Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II sovereign of the commonwealth of Niue.

The silver coin series will be packaged as two unique sets of four coins. One will be the Darth Vader head, and the other the Millennium Falcon ship, representing the dark side and the Rebel Alliance. Open the Darth Vader case and hear authentic movie sound effects of Darth Vader breathing. Open the Millennium Falcon case and hear authentic movie sound effects of the ship’s iconic “jump to light speed”.

Each Star Wars set comes with an individually numbered certificate of authenticity issued by New Zealand Mint

Technical Specification:

Purity: 1oz Fine Silver 999

Country of Issue: Niue

Year of Issue: 2011

Denomination: $2

Diameter: 40mm

Finish: Proof Like

Mintage: 7,500

Price: USD391.66 including shipping

You can order and buy your coin sets directly from New Zealand Mint, read here; New Zealand Mint Star Wars coins.

Other related Star Wars Coins:

• Star Wars Darth Vader coin set
• Star Wars $1 Silver Plated Coins

Read More...

Star Wars $1 Silver Plated Coins

Anyone of you out there is a Star Wars die hard fan? "Use the force Luke" and buy these coins. Today, New Zealand Mint has launched their Star Wars $1 Silver Plated Coins. The coins will be legal tender coin set for Niue. A total of 40 coins will be released as Silver Plated base metal coins. For now, you can start to order your ten Silver Plated base metal coins. The coin shipment will start available only on 1 November 2011. The Silver Plated coins will be priced at USD19.99 a piece plus shipping. No more than 50,000 of each coin will be issued by the New Zealand Mint.

The first ten Silver Plated base metal coins include characters of the Star Wars movies. The coins feature a full coloured image of your favourite characters: Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, R2-D2, C-3PO, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and Emperor Palpatine. The obverse of the coin features The Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II sovereign of the commonwealth of Niue.

The base metal coins will be sold an individual coins in a sealed blister pack. A 40 coin holder will be available to purchase shortly which will hold all coins in this series.

Technical Specification:

Purity: Silver Plated / Cu/Zn

Country: Niue

Year: 2011

Denomination: $1

Diameter: 40mm

Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated

Mintage: 50,000

Price: USD19.99

Shipping: Product available from 1 November 2011

You can order and buy your coin sets directly from New Zealand Mint, read here; New Zealand Mint Star Wars coins.

Other related Star Wars Coins:

• Star Wars Darth Vader coin set
• Star Wars Millenium Falcon coin set

Read More...

John Lennon gold coin sold

A John Lennon gold coin sold for a record $119,780 including 24% value added tax by the Bonhams auction house in London on 29 June 2011. The coin, released on what would have been Lennon’s seventieth birthday in 2010, is part of the ‘Great Britons’ series of silver £5 coins depicting famous Britons from history. The John Lennon Alderney £5 gold coin is specially created for his widow, Yoko Ono. The reverse side of the coin featured the portrait of music legend John Lennon.

Picture: Yoko Ono holding John Lennon coin.

The Royal Mint struck a one‐off, 22 carat gold version of the £5 silver coin. It is being auctioned by the Alder Hey “IMAGINE” appeal of which Yoko Ono is a Patron, to benefit the work of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. Funds raised through the appeal helps the renowned children’s hospital to continue its pioneering work, to develop facilities, and to offer the very highest standards of care to its young patients.

Picture: John Lennon Gold Proof Commemorative Coin 

Lennon’s iconic sixties image was designed by sculptor Danuta Solowiej‐Wedderburn with the now familiar Ian Rank‐Broadley profile of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. The coin is dated “2010” and weighs 38 grams of .999 fine gold with a diameter of 38.6 mm. Struck as a proof piece, this coin is truly worthy of being described as a museum quality acquisition. John Lennon was selected from six great Britons by a public online poll, which saw over 30,000 members of the public vote and the former Beatle receiving 92% of the votes!

Source: Royal Mint UK

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Saran Singh books

Many Malaysian numismatic enthusiast must already know Saran Singh by now even if you're young or old. He is a Pakar Numismatic Malaysia that had wrote many books for our reference and reading. One of my dreams is to get all books written by him in my collection but look like it is not easy. Most of his book is so valuable, people don't want to sell them. Unless they have extra copies or they're not collector. I recently found two article by my fellow Malaysian blogger that wrote about him recently.

One of them is by whycollect, he talk about Saran Singh books Pictorial Guide To Grading Of Malaysian Coins and Bank Notes. He too have the same dreams like mine, to get all the Saran Singh books in his collection. I think many collector that serious in collecting have the same dreams to. Another Blogger@Pakar himslef dniew talk about Malaysia veteran numismatist and share some pictures of them. You can see recent pictures of Mr. Saran Singh. Its hard to find all the sifu in one place but you most probably could this Sunday for MNS auction no. 148. Will talk about it later.

A little bit biography of Mr. Saran Singh. Saran Singh was born on 10th March 1945 in Kuala Lumpur. He received his early education at St. Gabriel's School in Kuala Lumpur. Saran started to enter the field of numismatics in 1969. His specialities includes Penang, Straits Settlements, Sarawak, British North Borneo, the tin/lead coins of early Brunei, Singapore Merchants Tokens, Sikh coin of Punjab and Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei coins and Banknote. On 3rd December 1989 he received the honour P.N.M (Pakar Numismatic Malaysia) by Malaysia Numismatic Society.

I found a list in the web somewhere that show Malaysia numismatic books for sale with a complete list of Saran Singh and Mohd. Kassim Ali books title but I cannot find it. Here are some books that written by Mr. Saran Singh, please add if I missed any of his books.

1. The Catalogue of the coins of Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. 1700-1974.

2. Pictorial Guide to Grading of Malaysian coins and banknotes. 1978.

3. The Encyclopedia Of The Coins Of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei 1400 - 1967.

4. Price Guide To: The Encyclopedia Of The Coins Of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei 1400 - 1967.

5. Malaya and sarawak rubber export coupons 1922-1942. 1990. only 350 copies printed.

6. Sikh Gurdwaras in Malaysia and Singapore : an illustrated history 1873-2003.

Most of the books are publish by Malaysia Numismatic Society. I hope one day, MNS will republished this books and some other books published by MNS long time ago since most new collector like me will surely to get a copies of these books for our future reference.

Please correct and add if there is any books written by Mr. Saran Singh that is not in the list.

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Tan Sri Ahmad Mohd Don story

Tan Sri Ahmad Mohd Don became the fifth governor of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) on 1 May 1994. In May 1994, he was appointed as the Governor of BNM for a period of three years and in May 1997, he was re-appointed for a further period of three years. He resigned in August 1998. It was during Ahmad Don’s tenure that Asia was hit by speculative attacks on its currencies. Although the prescribed monetary policy action was to tighten interest rates, Malaysia, under then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, imposed capital controls, pegged the ringgit to the US dollar and slashed lending rates. In disagreement over the move, Ahmad Don and his deputy, Fong Weng Phak, resigned in August 1998.

Tan Sri Ahmad Mohd Don graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours), Summa cum Laude, in Economics and Business from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom in 1969. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and a member of the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountant. Tan Sri Ahmad has extensive experience in finance and banking, having worked in various capacities with Pernas Securities Sdn Bhd, Permodalan Nasional Berhad and Malayan Banking Berhad. He served as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Malayan Banking Berhad from 1991 to 1994. Currently, he also holds directorships in Sekhar & Tan , J.P. Morgan Chase Bank Berhad, KAF Investment Bank Berhad, Hing Yiap Knitting Industries Bhd, United Malacca Berhad, MAA Holdings Berhad and Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Berhad.

Many people believe Ahmad Don is a scapegoat for slumping KL economy in 1998. The central bank governor had been attacked by Mr Daim and Dr Mahathir for his tight monetary policy during the crisis which they said helped hurtle Malaysia into its first recession. Despite Dr Mahathir's wish that monetary policy be eased, the central bank continued with open-market operations throughout the first half of 1997 which neutralised the effect of cuts in banks' statutory reserve requirements, and so angering the top leaders. Bankers remarked that the prime minister was furious to see the decade-long efforts to build up strategic industries like the car industry literally destroyed overnight as a result of what he saw as the central bank's tight credit policies.

Ahmad Don berated Malaysia's bankers for not reining in loans growth fast enough. His decision to focus exclusively on monetary policy tools during the crisis cost him his job. Mr Ahmad Don, who presided over the toughest regulatory changes in the industry, is also being faulted for tightening the definition of what is to be considered a non-performing loan. By his book, a loan becomes non-performing if it is not serviced for three months, down from the previous six months. By cutting the period from 6 months to 3 months, many businesses found two years cashflow eroded to one year. He compounded the mistake by not allowing businesses more credit to offset the tighter provisioning policies and higher rates, which according to a senior banker, was what really made his position a lot worse. Indeed, the central bank's provisioning policies made it hard for banks to keep healthy NPL levels and bankers say few banks can continue to operate as solvent entities without quick action from newly-formed agencies set up to address deteriorating asset quality.

Source: The Star, Business Times Asia, Wikipedia.

This is a last year post that never been publish by me because lack of information and pictures. I already post a story about Tun Ismail Mohamed Ali and Tan Sri Dato' Jaafar bin Hussien. I am still searching for information on others past BNM governors. Feel free to comment in this post if you have any good information.

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Royal Wedding gold kilo coin

The Royal Mint has been releasing a Royal Wedding gold kilo coin a day before the Royal Wedding ceremony on 29 April 2011. The 22 carat gold kilo coins, featuring a traditional portrait of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton, have been struck at its site in Llantrisant, South Wales. Each kilo coin is 10 centimetres in diameter, nearly four and a half times the size of a standard £1 coin. Produced individually and finished by hand, the Alderney coins have a face value of £1,000, which is five hundred times greater than the highest value coin in circulation – the £2 coin. The coin selling for £40,000, making them amongst the most expensive, rare and exclusive items to commemorate the Royal Wedding.

In addition, 200 pure silver kilo coins have also been produced. With a face value of £50 and selling for £1,650, the silver kilos also have a diameter of 10 centimetres. With such limited numbers of each being produced, they are destined to be added to the collections of royal enthusiasts around the world, by those looking to commemorate the special day with a genuinely remarkable souvenir.


Gordon Summers, the Royal Mint engraver behind the design said: “It’s a huge honour to be the designer of a coin commemorating the Royal Wedding, especially a limited edition kilo. I wanted to capture the couple in a formal portrait, seen side by side, with William in the foreground of the design. Because of the coin’s dimensions, I had the freedom to create an intricate backdrop. Portraying Westminster Abbey’s famous Rose window, the magnificent venue for the big day, was an instinctive choice.”

Kevin Clancy, Director of the Royal Mint Museum said: “A kilo coin is extremely rare and unlike any other coin created by the Royal Mint due to its size and weight, which are governed by law. Only very special events are therefore commemorated with a coin of this size.”


Each coin contains one full kilogram of gold (35.27 ounces) but weighs a total of 1096g because although the coin needs other metals to complete the alloy. Each silver coin contains a full kilogram of silver and weighs 1000g as it contains just silver. The kilo coins are issued by Alderney and are legal tender only on that island.

The kilos will be available on a first come, first served basis, from the Royal Mint website. To see the full range of wedding products go to www.royalmint.com/royalwedding

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Top 5 Royal Wedding Coins 2011

Many Royal Wedding coins had been minted to celebrate the wedding of Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton that will take place at Westminster Abbey on 29 April 2011. William, who is second in the line of succession to Queen Elizabeth II, first met Middleton in 2001, while he and Middleton were studying at the University of St Andrews. Their engagement, on 20 October 2010, was announced on 16 November 2010. Here are list of Top 5 Royal Wedding Coins 2011 according to readers pageview in this blog.

1. Royal Mint Official Royal Wedding coin 2011.

The only Official Royal Wedding UK coin has gone into production 0n 17 March 2011 at the Royal Mint in Llantrisant, South Wales. Approved by the Royal Household and the Government, the coin features relaxed, modern portraits of the couple, an approach also evident in the informal use of their names and the date of the wedding circulating their portraits. The obverse bears a portrait of Prince William’s grandmother, The Queen. The coin has been designed by Mark Richards, Fellow of the Royal Society of British Sculptors, following an invitation- only tender process involving a handful of British sculptors.

2. Birmingham Mint Royal Wedding Medal

This is a medal created by Birmingham Mint with no monetary value but it became popular most probably because of its design. The medal features a picture of the engaged couple and on its reverse is the date of their marriage and the initials C and W. Around 50,000 are being produced at the Birmingham Mint in honour of the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

3. £5 Royal Wedding Platinum Piedfort Coin

The only wedding coins in Platinum. Extremely rare and tarnish resistant, this precious silver-white metal makes a fitting tribute to Prince William and his bride. Only 200 Platinum coins will be made available by Royal Mint.

4. Canadian Mint Royal Wedding Coins

The Royal Canadian Mint's $20 fine silver collector coin displays an exquisite engraving on its reverse side of the newly engaged HRH Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton. This design was created by accomplished Canadian artist and coin designer Laurie McGaw of Guelph, Ontario and expertly engraved by Mint Engraver Jose Osio. The obverse or “face” side of this coin features the effigy of Prince William's grandmother, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, created by Canadian portrait artist Susanna Blunt in 2003. Inserted beneath their romantic portrait is a CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements sapphire-coloured crystal reminiscent of the 18-carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring presented by Prince William to his fiancée and which had once belonged to his mother Diana, Princess of Wales.

5. Perth Mint Royal Wedding 1oz silver proof coin

Perth Mint Royal Wedding 1oz silver proof coin struck from 1 ounce of 99.9% pure silver. No more than 12,500 of these coins will be released by The Perth Mint, maximum 5 coins per customer. The reverse design bears an official image of the happy couple, the beaming smiles on their jubilant faces realistically portrayed in colour. The design also includes an intricately-detailed, sculpture of Westminster Abbey in the background. The reverse of the coin also features the inscriptions ‘Royal Wedding 29.04.2011’ and ‘H.R.H. Prince William of Wales & Miss Catherine Middleton’.

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