Malaysia Animal Tin Currency
Tin ingots currency originated from Malay Peninsula were produced in early 15th century. First the tin pagoda or pyramid shaped ingots (Tampang or Bidor) appeared in Selangor, Perak, Pahang.
Another shapes of money were developing as well,besides of varieties of primitively formed tin ingots, various animal shaped ingots appeared in early 18th century .
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| Weigh:15.36gm, High:5cm, Width:4cm |
The form of animal shaped tin ingots was originated from Hindu (e.g. elephant), and from China (e.g. tortoise). Besides having monetary function, these ingots carried a religious value. It was common practice for Chinese miners to guarantee that the new tin mining would be lucky and abundance in production by making an animal sacrifice before indulging in the customary celebration.
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| Weigh:14.75gm, High:5.5cm, Width:4cm |
Animal shaped ingots were widely produced in Perak. A variety of ingot money (fighting cock ingot) was circulated in Kedah and Perlis in the middle of the 18th century. Another variety of ingots appeared based on the pagoda and pyramid series in Pahang. It was called
"tin hat" or "tampang".This form of ingots is the first known to be originated in Malay Sultanates and carried a legend. According to
Master Saran Singh, first known tin hat shaped ingot appeared in 1819.
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| Weigh:25.01gm, High:4.5cm, Width:5cm | | |
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| Weigh:14.01gm, High:4.5cm, Width:3.5cm |
These are a few
animal tin currency contributed by Mr.W.Y Kong for sharing.
Dear Sifu,
ReplyDeleteAs far i know 1989 1 ringgit copper coin is round edged except for the 1992 issue. But recently i found a flat edge for the 1989 issue which is almost the same as the 1992 issue.
Until now i have collected 13 different 1 ringgit copper coins including 1 error and 1 fake coins.
Is this true or am i wrong.
thanks,