© D. Friedman
© D. Friedman
2 Keping Aceh
| Copper | - | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Sumatra (British East Indies) |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Years | 1247-1251 (1832-1836) |
| Calendar | Islamic (Hijri) |
| Value | 2 Kepings (1⁄200) |
| Currency | Dollar (1783-1824) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Thickness | 1 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#108444 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Arabic inscription with denomination at top and date at bottom using eastern Arabic numeral. Beads around border
Lettering:
٢
دو كڤڠ
١٢۴۷
Unabridged legend:
2
Dua keping
1247
Translation:
Two kepings
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 Aceh Token 2 Keping coin from Sumatra (British East Indies) made of Copper is interesting because it was used as a form of currency during the Aceh War between the Sultanate of Aceh and the British East India Company in the 19th century. Despite being made of copper, the coin was valued at a high denomination, reflecting the economic and political power of the Sultanate of Aceh during that time.
