GOLD to go China

GOLD to go China has been installed recently in a busy shopping district in Beijing. GOLD to go is a gold vending machine produce by a German company, Ex Oriente Lux AG. The exterior of the machine is coated with a thin layer of gold and offers customers 320 items to choose from, ranging from 24-carat gold bars weighing 1, 5, and 10 grams as well as gold coins from Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Each comes in a gift box. Shoppers in the popular Wangfujing Street can insert cash or use a bank card to withdraw gold bars or coins of various weights based on market prices, the People's Daily said on its website. Each withdrawal is capped at 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds) or one million yuan (about $156,500) worth of gold, the report said.

Gold vending machines already exist in Britain, the United States, the Middle East and Europe.

The machine was launched Saturday by the Beijing Agricultural Commercial Bank and a gold trading company, the report said. They plan to install an unspecified number of machines in secure locations such as gold shops and upmarket private clubs.

Gold is often used as a hedge against inflation and the machines could prove popular among Chinese consumers looking for a convenient way to safeguard their cash amid rising prices.

Chinese consumer demand for gold soared 27 percent year-on-year to 579.5 tonnes in 2010, according to the World Gold Council. China is the world's second largest bullion consumer after India.

Source: AFP.

China Daily reported that the ATM dispensing gold bars and coins was switched on this weekend and then swiftly switched back off again. The vending machine shut down the same day because it was not producing receipts. No specific date when the ATM machine will be running again by Gongmei Gold Trading, the gold ATM Operator in China.

In the future, will this vending machine be available in Malaysia?

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Ancient treasure found and sold

Have you read a news in The Star today, Ancient treasure found and sold in Melaka. I think a news about people unearthed old Portuguese coins, bullets and religious amulets along the banks of the Malacca River had long been stop by the authority but look like nobody done nothing. From the news, sound like we can enjoy a free coin hunting along the Malacca River banks without any interruption by the museum authority. In the news, a scrap metal agent, Rafi, share that the most valuable of which found so far was a cannon ball that fetched RM500, were discovered after an ancient jetty at Stadhuys collapsed in May.

They also found Chinese porcelain pieces and religious paraphernalia from the Malacca Sultanate as well as those from the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial periods. The artefacts are believed to be about 500 years old.

“Also unearthed were bullets and cannons. For the past few days, I have joined six others in combing the river sediment for treasure," Rafi said.

“We have hit the jackpot! There are piles of these artefacts for our picking,” he said, adding that he made about RM1,000 a day by selling the items. Apparently, the brokers are from Singapore.

At the peak of the Malacca Sultanate and when the port was colonised by the Portuguese and Dutch, the river would have seen trading vessels from various countries, some of which could have capsized with their treasures.

Rafi said he was only armed with a ladle and hoe for his search, adding that although the relevant authorities “were aware of the find, nobody had stopped them from digging”.

“I know we should not sell these items but the offer is too tempting,” he said.

“We found mostly items from the Portuguese era. Despite being 500 years old, the coins are well-preserved with their carvings still visible. We have also discovered coins used by the Dutch East India Company.”

Expressing his regret that no effort was made to preserve these historical items, Portuguese-Eurasian Association president Michael Singho said it was ready to buy the artefacts and conserve them at their settlement in Ujong Pasir here.

“I will embark on a fund-raising drive to obtain the items back,” he said.

State Tourism, Culture and Heritage Committee deputy chairman Chua Kheng Hwa said he would bring up the discovery to Chief Minister Datuk Mohd Ali Rustam.

“The items are supposed to be handed over to the museum authority but these people are only interested in making a fast buck.”

Source: The Star.

OK guys, lets go on a hunting trip to Melaka river banks. Anyone want to join?

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Merdeka pictures 2011

Merdeka Celebration for 2011 is full of patriotism among Malaysian at Dataran Merdeka with thousands of Malaysians and tourists turned up as early as 7am to join in the 54th Merdeka and 48th Malaysia Day celebrations. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman attended the celebrations.

Tens of thousands thronged Dataran Merdeka.

A total of 10,073 people consisting of government workers, schoolchildren, armed forces, non-governmental organisations, uniformed bodies and bands took part in the parade. The parade was a sight to behold as drumline troupes made their way, playing loud music, while groups from several organisations performed various dances. There was also a parade with antique cars carrying public figures, including badminton champion Datuk Lee Chong Wei. The highlight was the performance by the armed forces with fighter jets and helicopters flying past. Families, teenagers and foreigners were seen waving the Jalur Gemilang.

Here are some of the Merdeka celebration pictures 2011:

Participants from Sabah parade their traditional costumes at the Malaysia Day celebration at Dataran Merdeka.

Participants of the Malaysia Day parade doing a formation at Dataran Merdeka.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak reaching out to shake hands with participants at the Malaysia Day parade at Dataran Merdeka.

Source: The Star.

You can view more photos at: Happy Malaysia Day

For Malaysia Day logo and Malaysia Flag, you can go to Malaysia Merdeka 2011.

Selamat Hari Malaysia and Selamat Hari Merdeka 2011.

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Opening of Sasana Kijang

Today, Malaysia Prime Minister, Y.A.B Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak officiated the opening of Sasana Kijang. The word 'Sasana' is derived from Sanskrit and describes a site, centre, building or arena where communities gather for meetings, while the Kijang is Bank Negara Malaysia's logo. The Sasana Kijang's architectural concept is inspired from the shape of the Cowrie shell, a popular form of money in the Malay Peninsula during the 3rd century with its building facade derived from the geometric patterns of traditional Malaysian songket motifs, reflecting the hand woven fabric designs.

Picture by Berita Harian: Najib Looking at BNM Numismatic gallery.

Picture by Utusan: the new Numismatic gallery

Picture by BNM Official Facebook page: New BNM Complex.

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

I heard, the new Numismatic gallery in the New Bank Negara Money Museum will have the largest numismatic collections in the world. Its a good news for numismatic society in Malaysia. I know most of you will be eager for a visit to the new money museum (me included) and I know some bloggers will be eager to share new BNM controversy regarding the new building. The new Sasana Kijang Complex located at Tun Hussein Onn Memorial, Jalan Dato'Onn, 50480 Kuala Lumpur (not far from BNM Headquarters).

The new Money museum already open for public.

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

Parking: LG4 & LG5.

Fee: Free.

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

You can also find the official opening of the Sasana Kijang at NajibRazak Official Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/najibrazak/6146565511/in/photostream/

Source: BNM, BNM Facebook Official page, Star TV.

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Money grow on tree?

Does money grow on tree? Many people will say money don't grow on a tree but a news by Daily Mail UK show the opposite, money can grow on trees. On trails from the Peak District to the Scottish Highland in UK's woodlands, you can see wishing trees studded with coins that can take sickness away from illness. The coins are usually knocked into felled tree trunks using stones by passers-by, hoping that their sickness will be go away. But do remember, you cannot take the coins away from the tree, it is the same as you take their sickness with it. Sometimes the tress also used as a wishing trees for good luck.

The tradition of the wishing trees coins has been recorded in Britain since 1700s. In a village of Portmeirion, in Wales, There are seven felled tree trunks with coins pushed into them. It used to be believed that divine spirits lived in trees, and they were often festooned with sweets and gifts - as is still done today at Christmas. These fascinating spectacles often have coins from centuries ago buried deep in their bark and warped by the passage of time. The tradition of making offerings to deities at wishing trees dates back hundreds of years, but this combination of the man-made and the natural is far more rare.

In Scotland, there is also a legend about a kissing tree. If a young man could drive a nail into a tree with one blow, he earned a kiss from his sweetheart. Yoko Ono has used wishing trees in her artwork, and in 1877 Queen Victoria wrote about visiting an oak tree with coins stuck in it in the Highlands. In a Pub in Pensacola, USA, patrons who came to the pub put banknote on the pub ceiling to wish their good luck and wish their sickness will go away.

Source: Daily Mail

This is one good way to attract tourist in my opinion. I wonder if Malaysia also have the same kind of tradition? I know a place in Penang where people throw orange to wish that they can get a future husband/wife (not sure if that place exist anymore, a friend brought me there). Some people really love to throw away money in a wishing well, like this in my post about Melaka; its easy to throw away money.

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Excavator driver can get historic artifacts

One of my Penang sifu always told me, try to be a friend to a excavator driver because excavator driver can get historic artifacts easily. Depends on where they were digging, they can find bowls, wine pots, jars, ceramic items, ancient coins, wine bottles, inking pots, opium pipes and etc. When I am in Penang, I always get old Penang coins (Straits Settlements, Malaya & British Borneo, some token) from excavator driver. A news by Guang Ming Daily last week bring back the old memories. I can easily get old coins in Penang because they're many ways to get them (beside buying).

Guang Ming Daily share a story of 58 year-old Dong Yong who loves collecting artifacts. He has been uncovering a great number of ancient artifacts with rich historical value. Working as an excavator driver over the years has not only provided Dong Yong with the source of livelihood but the job has also landed him a lot of ancient artifacts, he told Guang Ming Daily.

“I managed to dig up some bowls and plates with floral and rooster designs, and these richly coloured items are in prefect conditions,” he said.

“The bowls and ceramic items which remain commonly used among members of the Chinese community were recovered at rural areas off the Mersing Road. Therefore, it is evident that the Chinese had started to arrive in and live here since a long time ago,” he said.

Dong also found some ancient coins when carrying out his duty as an excavator driver. They are Qing dynasty coins as well as those manufactured in 1862 in India and carry the words “One Cent India Straits”.

“The coins were dug up at a place nearby the Kuala Sedili beach. Apart from that, I also found a wine bottle made of glass measuring one-inch thick. It is likely that the bottle had been left behind by the Dutch in those days,” he said.

Currently residing at Taman Kota Jaya, Kota Tinggi, Dong is preserving all the excavated items and artifacts in a proper way.

He said, he is also keeping a five yuan currency note which was issued by the Bank of China and carries the portrait of Sun Yat-sen. At the same time, his collection includes a 10 dollar note issued during the British colonial era in 1941.

Inking pot commending Japanese achievement in war

“Of my vast collection of artifacts, an extremely unique inking pot made of a seaside stone and weighing some 2kg is particularly eye-catching. Featuring artistically carved clouds as well as two carvings of bats, the artifact is rich in Chinese cultural value,” he said.

A row of Chinese characters neatly engraved at the back of the stone include this sentence – “battle must be won and success must be achieved”. By taking into account the strong will of the Japanese to achieve their goals, the stone probably belonged to the Japanese.

Dong said, the inking pot has been preserved for more than four decades. He found it at a wood factory located in a remote area in Kota Tinggi. Nowadays, it is hard to locate such inking pot and hence, Dong sees it as his prized possession.

“A coat of powder must be applied to the back of the inking pot before we can clearly see the engraved words. Judging by the words, the inking pot was probably manufactured in the second half of year 1942.

Source: mysinchew.com

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9/11 coin scam warning

The United States Mint had issued a 9/11 coin scam warning following a product by National Collector's Mint; "10th Anniversary September 11th Commemorative Dollar" and claims that it is a "Liberian government authorized legal tender coin." US Mint warned users that this product is not a genuine United States coin or medal. Under the Constitution, Congress has the exclusive power to coin money of the United States. Congress has delegated its authority to mint and issue coins to the Secretary of Treasury, and Congress requires the Secretary to carry out these duties at the United States Mint. Thus, the United States Mint is the only government entity in the United States with the authority to coin money.

Consumers may find the advertisements for this product confusing because the National Collector's Mint uses phrases such as "legal tender dollar." The product itself may be confusing because it bears the denomination "One Dollar." Congress did not authorize the National Collector's Mint product, and the United States Government does not endorse it. On January 2011, US Authority said they're investigating a Fake September 11 coin minted by the National Collector's Mint. Two Democratic New York congressmen, Rep. Jerrold Nadler and Sen. Charles Schumer, have accused the National Collector's Mint in Port Chester, New York, of selling bogus September 11 coins in an attempt to exploit the tragedy for profit.

The only official United States coin or medal to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks is the "National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal," which is authorized by Public Law 111-221 (approved by the President on August 6, 2010). You can read the scam warning in US Mint website; 10th Anniversary September 11th Commemorative Dollar Alerts. I also found some news video by WPRI TV relating to that matter:

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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 Sudan New Currency

New nation, Republic of South Sudan announced its new currency, South Sudanese Pound last week. According to information in Wikipedia the new banknote is subdivided into 100 piastres. It was approved by the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly prior to secession on 9 July 2011 from Sudan. The banknotes feature the image of John Garang, the deceased leader of South Sudan's independence movement. Six different denominations (1, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 pounds) in the form of banknotes have been confirmed, and four denominations (1, 5, 25 and 50 piastres) will be issued in the form of coins.

"Today, President Salva Kiir said in the council of ministers that it is the last day of exchanging the Sudanese pound into the South Sudan pound," Information Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin told reporters in Juba.

"From tomorrow (Friday), the Sudanese Guinea (pound) is illegal tender. It will no longer be used to buy anything in the Republic of South Sudan," he added.

Separately, Khartoum announced that, from 1500 GMT on Thursday, the introduction of the new Sudanese pound note in the north was partly complete.

"As of this date, the old 10, 20 and 50 pound notes... will be unfit for circulation, while trading in the 1, 2, and 5 pound notes of the old category will continue... until further notice from the bank," the Central Bank of Sudan said in a statement.

After independence, southern officials were concerned that their country would be flooded with old Sudanese pounds, of which there were an estimated 2.1 billion already in circulation. Benjamin said 1.6 billion Sudanese pounds had been collected in South Sudan. The Sudanese pound, which is equal in value to the South Sudan pound, has seen its purchasing power plunge this year, mainly because of the surge in food prices and weak state finances. One US dollar can now buy up to 3.5 Sudanese pounds on the black market, compared with the official exchange rate of about 2.7 Sudanese pounds.

Source: Wikipedia, AFP.

A new country emerge and a new banknote come into circulation for us collector to collect.

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Plastic fiver pound

I had been reading about Bank of England plastic fiver pound since 2005 but until today, only a Northern Ireland plastic fiver has been produced. Today, I read a news about England  £5 Polymer again in Independent UK. The Bank of England is considering a plastic fiver and a £50 with transparent slots to improve durability and protect against counterfeiting in the next generation of bank notes. De La Rue has a contract to produce the UK's notes until 2015. However, it is understood that the contract could allow new suppliers to produce some of these updated notes ahead of that date.

Picture by BBC: Northern Ireland £5 note

Bank officials are believed to be concerned that the £5 note, which as a low denomination changes hands quickly, is not tough enough. Sterling notes are currently made mainly from cotton, but Australia paved the way with a polymer currency that better withstands everyday use. 

A source close to the Bank said: "This is at the evaluation stage. A decision won't be made for the next year or two and production a little while after that, but a plastic £5 note is a possibility even though it won't provide as much security as other options." 

A polymer note is considered easier to replicate than those with clear, plastic windows within a traditional cotton fabric. The Bank is considering the latter option for its other notes, favouring a trial with the £50. 

A far less used note, the £50 does not require the durability features of a fiver, but is more costly to the economy if counterfeited on a large scale. "The Bank is looking at ways of putting a see-through, transparent window on notes as a primary security feature," said the source.

An industry source added: "There are ongoing conversations about the future features of banknotes, particularly in order to combat counterfeiting, between the Bank and industry suppliers."

Source: Independent

With the introduction of the new £5 polymer note will the £5 paper note become the collectibles item? Only time will tell but find a UNC £5 note are certainly a hassle in Malaysia. I personally don't think  Bank of England will give it a try for Polymer Fiver Pound. They're still looking for other option that far much better then Polymer notes. But it is certainly a good news for collector like us, we can start keep the good condition £5 paper note. Their price will be going up one day.

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New Iraq Currency

A new Iraq currency has been planned by Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). CBI Governor, Sinan al-Shabibi in his interview with Al-Sabaah claims that the new currency’s attributes will make it ‘difficult’ to falsify. The Central Bank and the Finance Committee in the House of Representatives agreed to hold further meetings to finalize discussions on the project. The central bank is determined to raise three zeroes from the of the new Iraqi currency and presented its project to the government and the House of Representatives. Deleting three zeros from the Iraqi currency will raise its value, and increase the purchasing power of citizens. Iraq has 30 trillion dinars in circulation and the project would bring liquidity to 30 billion.

Haven't you heard that Iraqi Dinar revalue soon? It has been all over news and everyone is buying Iraq Dinar stock. Iraqi Budget already approved by Parliament, does this clear the way for the Iraq Dinar to RV drastically & quickly? Its a little bit hard to find Iraq Dinar now since the news come out.

Source: http://goo.gl/B3WwJ

Iraq is recovering after years of war and sanctions and oil still dominates the economy, accounting for 95 per cent of government revenues. Investors complain Iraq's still heavily centralized economy is mired in red tape and bureaucracy, and transactions are still often carried out in cash. Planning and the preparation for reform was complete and the proposal would be handed to the government in the next month. It would also need parliamentary approval.

Source: http://goo.gl/S506o

Iraq stock exchange is ready and they're in a process to start a global stock exchange. If their currency are accepted by Global market, we can most probably see a RV (revaluations). RV will happen sooner or later.

Source: http://goo.gl/TLnj1

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100 pesos Ateneo Law School

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has released a 100 pesos Ateneo Law School commemorative banknote. The design is the same as the current Philippine 100 pesos but with a 75th diamond jubilee logo of Ateneo Law School. The Ateneo de Manila Law School is a Catholic and Jesuit institution situated within the larger Ateneo de Manila University. It was established in June 1936 to help form and develop good and committed lawyers. This is not the first time 100 pesos has been used as a commemorative banknote.

Philippine 100 Pesos commemorative 

• Centennial celebration of Philippine Independence-with an overprint of the Centennial logo in 1997.


• UP Centennial commemorative-overprint of the iconic UP Oblation to commemorate the centennial of the University of the Philippines (UP) in 2008.


• 60 years of Central Banking commemorative-overprint commemorating 60 years of central banking on 9 July 2009. The overprint appears on the watermark area on all six circulating denominations.


• Celebrating 100 years of Excellence in Law 1911-2011.-100 Years of University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law


• 75th years Ateneo of Law School-75th diamond jubilee logo on obverse.

President Aquino receives commemorative 100 peso bills

Photo credit: Malacañang Photo Bureau

On 6 June 2011, Philippine President, S. Aquino III  received a commemorative book from Dean Cesar Villanueva, as well as commemorative 100 peso bills with the 75th diamond jubilee logo from Banko Central Governor Amando M. Tetangco. He was the guest speaker in the 75th Anniversary of Ateneo Law School in Rockwell Makati campus. The president in his speech, addressed to the alumni of the school, stresses the importance of providing legal assistance to the poor and the marginalized sector of our society to attain equal justice for all. After his speech he

I heard that our friends in Philippines get some of the commemorative banknotes from their bank ATM? Is that mean they get it at a face value? 

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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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Selamat Hari Merdeka 2011

Its that time of the year again that we celebrate our Merdeka celebration but this year, Our National Merdeka Celebration will be postponed due to Hari Raya Celebration that fall on the same day as Merdeka. The 54 years Merdeka Celebration will be held on 16 September 2011 at Dataran Merdeka Kuala Lumpur. Once again, I want to wish "Selamat Hari Merdeka 2011" to all my Malaysian readers and friends. You can read about Malaysia Merdeka coins at my old post: Selamat Hari Merdeka Coins. If you're looking for Malaysia Merdeka logo and Malaysia flag, you can go to my post Malaysia Merdeka 2011. This year Merdeka Theme is "1 Malaysia, Transformation Success, People Peace".

If any of you remember our country history lesson, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, who led a delegation of ministers and political leaders of Malaya in negotiations with the British in London for Merdeka, or independence along with the first president of the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) Tun Dato Sir Tan Cheng Lock and fifth President of Malaysian Indian Congress Tun V.T. Sambanthan. On 31 August 1957, history of this country began, Malaysia gain independence at Stadium Merdeka (Independence Stadium), in Kuala Lumpur with Tunku Abdul Rahman Shouting "Merdeka!" and everyone share the same joy of independence.

This year Merdeka will be a little bit difference. We can read many news and story how Malaysia unity has changed. Hopefully it will not be any worst in the near future. Nowadays we maybe shouting the same word "Merdeka!" but at the same time deep in some of our hearts, they're dissatisfaction. It hurt when some Malaysian start to praise communist as Malaysia Independence heroes. Malaysian do stupid stuff in the name of politic.

"Selamat Hari Merdeka Malaysia!"

Wish this country unity will keep on stronger every seconds and we can keep living in harmony on the coming years.

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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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Jailed 5 years for 31 fake notes

Jailed 5 years for 31 fake notes? Is it worth it? I am reading Star newspaper yesterday and found a news about a guy in JB had been convicted guilt for a possession of 31 pieces of counterfeit RM100 notes. Its not reported if he got the fake notes from the stolen cars but if it does, it is a big mistake in his life. I already advice everyone, If you found a fake Malaysia banknote, report it to the police or you will need to pay criminal attorney later because of a small sum of money.

JOHOR BARU: The Sessions Court here sentenced a 27-year-old man to five years’ imprisonment for possession of 31 pieces of counterfeit RM100 notes. Low Wei Loong committed the offence in Jalan Mutiara Emas Utama, Taman Mount Austin at around 4.30am on May 10. The RM100 notes were found in his wallet. He was charged under Section 489C of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years. He was previously sentenced to a year’s imprisonment by the magistrate court here on May 21 for stealing a car. Sessions Judge Mohd Nasir Nordin sentenced Low to five years from the date of arrest. Deputy Public Prosecutor Dzul Iswari Mohd Jaafar prosecuted while the accused was not represented.

Source:thestar.com.my

How about people who collect/keep counterfeit banknotes? Do they need an attorney too? What do you think?

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Tensho Oban for auction

Tensho Oban for auction by Heritage Auctions on 9 September 2011. The Tensho Naga Gold Oban - Omodaka variety ND (1573-1591), one of the rarest of all Oban varieties. The Tensho Oban weight was fixed at about 165 grams and was hammered into three different sizes. This example is the 'NAGA' (or long type) and the largest physical size of all the Obans minted. The estimate price for this auction are $300,000 - $350,000.

This is an extremely rare variety of the Tensho Naga Oban due to the different upper stamp of the two stamps on the reverse: the Omodaka stamp. The Mori family was given permission by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (the great uniter of Japan) to make this official Oban and stamp the symbol of the their family on the reverse, which was the Omodaka plant leaf and flower. The large gold coin plate minted in 73% gold and 27% silver. The ink is original and a vibrant black color. There is scuffing on the high points of the obverse with a small amount of ink missing. Repair apparent on both sides at 8 o'clock on the obverse, and at the matching area on the reverse at 4 o'clock, as evidenced by the disturbance of the original texture of the surfaces near the edge. The repair seems to have been done over a hundred years ago and carefully hammered after perhaps being dropped.

Oban were made of hammered gold with a face value of 10 ryo or 10 Koban coins. The word Oban means 'large stamped' in Japanese. The earliest ōban were made in the 1580s, when the feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536/7-98) co-operated with wealthy merchants in the Kansai district of central Japan and monopolized Japan's metal mines. He then began to mint gold coins of fixed quality.

The auction will take place at Long Beach, California or you can bid it online at: The Tensho Naga Gold Oban.

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Hong Kong 100 dollars notes error

Last week, Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the three note-issuing banks (Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited) released The design of the remaining three denominations, HK$100, HK$50 and HK$20, from the issue of the 2010 new series Hong Kong banknotes. But the new Hong Kong 100 dollars notes come with an error. The notes reverse which depicting the city emblem (petals of the Bauhinia flower), pointing in the wrong direction.

HSBC Hong Kong on Monday apologised for the printing error. a spokeswoman at HSBC Hong Kong told AFP, they sincerely apologises for the embarrassment caused to all parties concerned" but emphasised none of the bank notes have been circulated. The bank would fix the problem as soon as possible but did not say how many flawed notes had been printed or the cost involved in redesigning and reprinting the notes.

The bank and the city's government had failed to detect the flaw before unveiling the new designs last Friday, but the mistake was highlighted in local media over the weekend. In a statement issued late Sunday, the government also apologised for the error and said HSBC had started redesigning and reprinting new HK$100 banknotes, with a plan of putting them into circulation early next year. HSBC will pay to fix the problem, the government said.

Check on HKMA official website today, the reverse design picture has been deleted from the website with a note "design will be revised". That will be an error for the bank but a collector dreams. The Hong Kong 100 dollars notes error will be coming out soon in eBay, just wait and see.

Source: HKMA, AFP.

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Malaysia 2012 coins design

Today, Bank Negara Malaysia Governor (BNM) Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, released Malaysia 2012 coins design. The new coins will be introduced from early next year. 500,000 sets of the new coins will be available as a commemorative coins (Brilliant Uncirculated) with special packaging and to be sold starting Tuesday to the public at RM 10.00 per set in all BNM branches. The coins were designed by a Malaysian and wholly minted by Bank Negara's mint in Malaysia. A new series of banknotes will also be issued in September.

Picture by The Star: Malaysia new coin design and old coin design.

The designs of the third series of Malaysian coins draw its inspiration from distinctive elements that define Malaysian culture and heritage. The theme, 'Distinctively Malaysia', features motifs from traditional crafts and our flora and fauna. The coins reflect the diversity and richness of Malaysia's national identity.

Common Features

On the obverse, each denomination features a different motif, 14 dots representing the 13 states and the Federal Territory and (with exception in the case of the 50 sen coin) five horizontal lines representing the five principles of the 'Rukun Negara' (national pillars).

On the reverse, the new series of coins feature the national flower Rosa-sinensis hibiscus (known as the 'Bunga Raya'), numerals indicating the year of minting, the face value of the coin and the words 'BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA'.

50sen-Sulur Kacang

The 'sulur kacang' (pea tendrils) motif featured on the new 50 sen coin is popular among traditional woodcarvers and silversmiths. The motif is drawn from the graceful twists and curls of long bean vines, and can be seen embellishing fine jewellery pieces and boxes, in addition to decorating doorways, window frames and wood paneling in traditional wooden homes. Fine lines in the motif background are part of the security features.

Security Feature:

Latent Image of the denomination 50 sen can be seen when the coin is tilted slightly.

Technical Specifications:Face Value:50 sen

Alloy: Nickel Brass Clad Copper

Diameter (mm): 22.65

Weight (gram): 5.66

20sen-Bunga Melur

The 'bunga melur' or jasmine flower is culturally significant among the three major races in Malaysia. Its aromatic scent makes it an important part of traditional ceremonies like weddings and prayers. It is also a popular motif in traditional arts and crafts like embroidery and silverwork. On the new 20 sen coin, the jasmine flower is featured with a 'destar siga' cloth motif in the background.

Technical Specifications:Face Value:20 sen

Alloy: Nickel Brass

Diameter (mm): 20.60

Weight (gram): 4.18

10sen-Orang Asli Motif

The 'orang asli' (aboriginal tribes) of Malaysia are talented in weaving indigenous leaves and plants into decorative items such as headbands, sashes and skirts for traditional rituals and ceremonies. Each tribe have their own weave pattern that is often inspired by their belief system and surrounding environment. On the new 10 sen coin, this heritage is represented by the unique weave pattern of the Mah Meri tribe in Peninsular Malaysia.

Technical Specifications:Face Value:10 sen

Alloy: Stainless Steel

Diameter (mm): 18.80

Weight (gram): 2.98

5 sen-Destar Siga

The 'destar siga' cloth is an indigenous form of fabric weaving that originates from the Kadazan Dusun tribe in Sabah. Used as a headdress during traditional ceremonies, it is woven mainly from yarns of black thread and accented by multi-coloured threads into various geometric patterns and flora and fauna inspired motifs. On the new 5 sen coin, the 'destar siga' pattern is prominently featured, accompanied by the 'sulur kacang' as a background motif.

Technical SpecificationsFace Value:5 sen

Alloy: Stainless Steel

Diameter (mm): 17.78

Weight (gram): 1.72

The new series of coins are legal tender and will co-circulate with the existing series. The existing series will be gradually phased out. Bank Negara Malaysia is working closely with financial institutions, businesses and cash handling vendors to ensure a smooth transition to the new series. Vendors of cash handling machines will be given six months to calibrate their machines to ensure convenience for the use of the new coins.

Source: BNM

You can view Malaysia new coins video at; third series of Malaysian coins video

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Hong Kong 100, 50, 20 dollars notes

Hong Kong 100, 50, 20 dollars notes has been unveiled by Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the three note-issuing banks (Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited). The $100, $50 and $20 notes incorporate the same state-of-the-art security features as the new $1,000 and $500 notes which are already in circulation, and help the visually impaired differentiate between the denominations.

Monetary Authority Chief Executive Norman Chan said the new notes will be phased in from November, after which the entire Hong Kong 2010 series will be in circulation.

“The new $1,000 and $500 banknotes, which have been in circulation since December and February, have received a very positive response from the public. I am confident the new $100, $50 and $20 banknotes will be equally well received.”

They were designed by the respective note-issuing banks (Standard Chartered Bank, Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, and Bank of China) and approved by the Financial Secretary. They are printed by Hong Kong Note Printing. All existing banknotes continue to be legal tender. They will circulate along with the new banknotes and be gradually withdrawn from circulation when they become physically unfit for circulation.

New Hong Kong dollars security features:

1. Dynamic Colour-changing Pattern

When the note is tilted, two visual effects appear: the colour of the pattern shifts between green and gold, while at the same time a shimmering horizontal bar is seen to be rolling up and down.

2. Colour-changing Windowed Metallic Thread

When the note is tilted, the thread shifts in colour between magenta and green. When examining it closely, microtext to build the large alphabets 「H」 and 「K」 can be seen.

3. Concealed Denomination

Visible when the note is tilted.

4. Iridescent Pattern

Shimmering when the note is tilted under a bright light.

5. Enhanced Watermark

The watermarks of the three note-issuing banks are standardized. Multi-tonal watermark of a bauhinia flower, highlight watermark of the denomination numeral and dot pattern can be seen when the note is held up to the light.

6. Fluorescent See-through Pattern

The patterns on the front and back fit perfectly when the note is held up to the light. When the note is put under ultraviolet light, two fluorescent colours appear.

7. Serial Numbers

Two sets of serial numbers with progressively larger digits in adjacent positions. One set horizontally at the bottom-left corner, and another set vertically on the right side of the note, which is fluorescent red under ultraviolet light.

8. Embossed Feel

Raised printing giving the note a strong embossed feel by touch.

Source: HKMA, news.gov.hk

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