Obverse © Geison Pulga (CC BY-NC-SA)
Obverse © Geison Pulga (CC BY-NC-SA)
1 Keping Sumatra
1247 (1831) year| Copper | 1.75 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Sumatra (British East Indies) |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1247 (1831) |
| Calendar | Islamic (Hijri) |
| Value | 1 Keping (1⁄400) |
| Currency | Dollar (1783-1824) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 1.75 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#346497 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Arabic inscription with denomination at top and date at bottom using eastern Arabic numeral. Beads around border.
Script: Arabic
Lettering:
۱
سات کڤڠ
۱۲۴۷
Unabridged legend:
1
Satu keping
1247
Translation:
One keping
AH 1247
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 (Sumatra) 1247 (1831) coin from Sumatra (British East Indies) made of Copper weighing 1.75g is interesting because it is a rare example of a local currency used during the British colonial era in Indonesia. The coin was issued in 1831, and its design features a unique blend of Islamic and European influences, reflecting the cultural diversity of the region. Additionally, the coin's small weight and copper composition make it a notable example of a low-denomination currency used in everyday transactions during that time.
