© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
1 Keping Percha
1251 (1836) year| Copper | 2.16 g | - |
| Issuer | Sumatra (British East Indies) |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1251 (1836) |
| Calendar | Islamic (Hijri) |
| Value | 1 Keping (1⁄400) |
| Currency | Dollar (1783-1824) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 2.16 g |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#24416 |
|---|---|
| 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:
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."Percha" is one Sumatra's historical appellation, based on Gutta-percha or rubber tree (genus Palaquium).
See Singh (1986:445-449) for details.
Interesting fact
The A Token 1 Keping (Percha) 1251 (1836) from Sumatra (British East Indies) made of Copper weighing 2.16 g is a rare and valuable coin that is highly sought after by collectors. It is considered a prized addition to any collection of numismatic items.
