2 Keping (Trumon) 1247-1251 (1832-1836) front 2 Keping (Trumon) 1247-1251 (1832-1836) back
2 Keping (Trumon) 1247-1251 (1832-1836) photo
© Heritage Auctions

2 Keping Trumon

 
Copper - -
Description
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
Shape
Round
Orientation
Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#43829
Rarity index
86%

Reverse

Arabic inscription with denomination at top and date at bottom using eastern Arabic numeral. Beads around border

Script: Arabic

Lettering:
٢
دو كڤڠ
١٢۴۷

Unabridged legend:
2
Dua keping
1247

Translation:
2
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 A Token 2 Keping (Trumon) 1247-1251 (1832-1836) from Sumatra (British East Indies) made of Copper is a rare and valuable coin among collectors due to its historical significance and limited mintage.