© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
1 Keping Minangkabau
1251 (1836) year| Copper | - | 20.9 mm |
| Issuer | Sumatra (British East Indies) |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1251 (1836) |
| Calendar | Islamic (Hijri) |
| Value | 1 Keping (1⁄400) |
| Currency | Dollar (1783-1824) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Diameter | 20.9 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#24415 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Arabic inscription with denomination at top and date at bottom using eastern Arabic numeral. Beads around border
Lettering:
١
سات كڤڠ
١٢٥١
Unabridged legend:
1
Satu keping
1251
Translation:
1
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 (Minangkabau) 1251 (1836) from Sumatra (British East Indies) made of Copper is an interesting coin because it is a rare example of a local currency used by the Minangkabau people in Sumatra during the 19th century. The coin was made of copper, which was a common material used for currency in many parts of the world at that time. The fact that it was issued in 1251 (1836) makes it a unique piece of history, especially considering that the Minangkabau people had their own independent kingdoms in Sumatra until the late 19th century. This coin is a reminder of the rich cultural and economic heritage of the Minangkabau people and their history of trade and commerce.
