Niewmismatic Error Coins

Brunei Umbrella Type Half Pitis (Half Cent) 1285 A.H. (1868)

Rarity:RR. SS48 (a).



The only tin/lead coins that bear a date are the umbrella type tin/lead coins dated 1285 A.H. (1868) which were issued in the reign of the 24th Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Abdul Momin.There were of two sizes viz the Half Cent (Half Pitis) of 24mm diameter and the One Cent (One Pitis) having a diameter of 30mm.

Half Pitis (Half Cent) 1285 A.H. (1868) Umbrella Type Small.


Obverse :(Yellow) State Umbrella, part of the insignia of the Malay Royalty, surmounted by the Sultan's (yellow) flag  facing left with the wing of four feathers "Sayap" below. (The Sayap is a traditional symbol of the duty of the State to protect tranquility,justice,peace and prosperity.


Reverse : In Jawi " Inilah titah Pitis belanja Negeri Brunei Sanat 1285" (This is the Pitis currency of the State of Brunei year 1285 A.H. -1868.)

Edge : Plain
Weight:5.91gm
Diameter:24mm
Composition: Tin/Lead

Varieties: Several die varieties exist. The main ones are listed below.viz:

SS48(a) Obverse with eight pendents hanging from the umbrella.
             Reverse normal with the Arabic date facing 6 o'clock.



SS48(b) Obverse with eight pendents hanging from the umbrella.
             Reverse retrogrades 180 degree with the Arabic date facing 12 o'clock.

SS48(c) Obverse with ten pendents hanging from the umbrella.
             Reverse retrogrades 180 degree with the Arabic date facing 12 o'clock.(Scarce)

(Source: Saran Singh)

Special thanks to Mr. Steven Tan (One of the seven recipients of the MNS Award Pakar Numismatik Malaysia (PNM) on 3rd December,1989.) who is so generous to allow me to inherit his collection of this Brunei Tin Coin.