MALAYSIA TIN COINS: JOHOR KATUN (CASH)

Johor Katun Or Tin Cash 

Rarity:RRR

Johor Tin Katun.Obverse.
Sultan Ratu Pangeran Taha.
(Dickson Niew Collection)
 Tin cash or Katun as they were known,were minted in a variety of shapes and sizes for used in the local markets.Some of these were circular,others hexagonal or octagonal. A few of them carried full inscriptions indicating that there were intended for Johor,but the majority were inscribed only with the title such as "Malik al Adil" (The Just King).Some of these with full inscription included the name of Riau so it is possible that these were issued after the gold coinage had ceased.



Johor Tin Katun.Obverse.
Sultan Ratu Pangeran Taha.
(Dickson Niew Collection)

The tin coins or Katuns of Johor have been divided into four distinct groups and further sub-divided into eight different groupings by Major Fred Pridmore.
They were Bar type,Round type,Hexagonal type and Octagonal type.






 




Johor Tin Katun.Obverse.
Sultan Ratu Pangeran Taha.
(Dickson Niew Collection)

The tin coins of Johor in good condition are very difficult to obtain.Those that did survive the ravages of times (about 250 years) are generally found in very poor condition.Turn up in VG-F condition.
Most of the Arabic inscriptions on obverse are worn off.The reverse are blank.
The common types are the pieces with a pusat (Dot) in the centre.







Johor Tin Katun.Obverse.
Sultan Ratu Pangeran Taha.
(Dickson Niew Collection)

In "The Encyclopaedia Of The Coins Of Malaysia,Singapore and Brunei 1400-1967 "by Saran Singh,in the price guide revised in 1997,a piece of fine in condition Johor Tin Coins Or Katuns was priced at RM20.00.









RSP:RM120.00

4 comments:

  1. Yes, nice ones indeed.
    Guess softness of the pewter is their biggest disadvantage.
    Thanks a lot for sharing, Dickson :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dear whycollect,
    I am trying to learn more about Malay State Tin Coinage and promote them to young collectors as they are very rich in culture and history.
    We must study and keep them in good condition before it perishs into pieces like your tin coin that you posted before!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Dickson,
    Yes, agreed with you.
    We suppose numismatic is one of the best ways to help to preserve them.
    Please keep up with the good work, Dickson :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Coins are very interesting. We should really need to preserve them.

    cash for coins

    ReplyDelete