1 Keping Malayu
1251 (1836) year| Copper | 2.1 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Malay Peninsula (British East Indies) |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1251 (1836) |
| Calendar | Islamic (Hijri) |
| Value | 1 Keping (1⁄400) |
| Currency | Keping |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 2.1 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#233456 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Arabic inscription with denomination at top and date at bottom using eastern Arabic numeral. Beads around border
Script: Arabic
Lettering:
١
سات كڤڠ
١٢٥١
Unabridged legend:
1
Satu keping
1251
Translation:
One keping
AH 1251
Edge
Plain
Comment
These coins were not official currency of any state. They were first issued in the early 1800s by British merchants at Singapore, to alleviate base coin shortage, before spreading to various parts of the Malay Archipelago. To circumvent confiscation attempts by colonial authorities (particularly the Dutch), British merchants use inscriptions that refer to locations that are vague, fictitious, or unaffiliated to Europeans. In this manner, legally it could not be argued that the tokens were intended for circulation in colonial territories.See Singh (1986:445-449) for details.
Interesting fact
The A Token 1 Keping (Malayu) 1251 (1836) from Malay Peninsula (British East Indies) made of Copper weighing 2.1 g is a rare and valuable coin that was used as a medium of exchange in the Malay Peninsula during the 19th century. It is interesting to note that the coin was made of copper, which was a common material used for currency in many parts of the world at that time. Additionally, the fact that it was issued in 1251 (1836) makes it a unique piece of history, as it was during a time of great change and development in the region.
