...Malaysia - 100 Ringgit First Gold Coin First Prime Minister Commemorative

Malaysia

 

Bank Negara Malaysia

(National Bank of Malaysia)

Currency - Ringgit (MYR)

This is a 100 ringgit gold coin issued in 1971, commemorating the First Prime Minister of Malaya/Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman (b.1903-1990). Tunku Abdul Rahman is also known as the Founding Father of the Nation or Father of Independence, where he successfully obtained independence from the British on 31.08.1957. Tunku Rahman became the Prime Minister on 31.08.1957 when the country granted full independence from the British. He stepped down from the post on 22.09.1970. Prior to this, he was the Chief Minister of Malaya between 01.08.1955 to 30.08.1957.

 

Tunku Abdul Rahman or commonly known as 'Tunku' to the locals, came from the Royal family of the State of Kedah. The word 'Tunku' means Prince in Malay. He was the 7th son of Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim (b.1864-1943) who was the Sultan of Kedah from 1881 to 1943.

One Hundred Ringgit

Portrait of Tunku Abdul Rahman - First Prime Minister of Malaysia, with home-made label

Specifications
Fine gold - 0.917
Mintage - 100,000
Diameter - about 22.5mm
Weight - 18.66 grams (0.6036 ounce of fine gold

Date of Release - 30.08.1971

Parliament House over the crescent. A 14-point star (Federal Star)

This is the first gold coin minted and issued by the central bank. I got this gold coin from the central bank on 25.09.1986. Because the value of gold has gone up since the initial release, I paid for the value of the gold at the time of my purchase. The transaction was done over the counter, and it cost me RM580, which was 5.8 times the initial issue price then. Prior to my purchase, I was not sure if I could still get them, after 16 years since it was first issued. So, one day, I called up the central bank and to my surprise, they told me that I can still get them but it will be based on the value of the gold at that time. I had no problem with that, after all, to buy one from a dealer will cost me even more. It is not sure if this coin was from the reminder of the initial mintage or simply mum/dad collector returned the coin in exchange for the cash of 100 ringgit. Believe me, there are people who would do that, without knowing the collectable value of this gold coin or the value of the gold. I would assume the value of this coin has gone up now, however, I am not sure how much it is selling in the market now. As this is a collectible item, the value of this coin would be worth higher than the gold content.

 

A proof version of this coin was also issued but in limited quantity. This proof coin is rare. Only 500 coins were issued. Just wondering how many of these proof coins now have toning, tarnishing or darkening marks on it? Hmmmm.... yes, I am jealous as I have none :-(. I would say the majority of these coins would still be in collectors hands in Malaysia and given the high humidity environment in the country, I am not surprised if these flaws appeared on the coins unless they are stored in a strictly controlled environment 24/7. In reality, sometimes it is better just to collect BU coins than proof as such flaws can depreciate the value of the coin rapidly. 

 

According to a report, this coin was minted by the Perth Mint in Australia. The Perth Mint is wholly owned by the Government of Western Australia and was established in 1899, two years before Australia became Federation in 1901. The proof coin version of this issue was minted by the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada.

This coin is in excellent condition. There are no dings or dents on either side of the coin. I understand that this coin is not rare either as you can still find them on sale from dealers or collectors. Given the huge quantity minted, I am sure you can find one to your liking. Because this is a gold coin, many goldsmiths in the country would have traded this to those gold investors too. 

 

I used to collect a few coins but stopped many years ago. Collecting coins is now so commercialised that they seem to be running out of ideas on what to mint. Many years ago, a Mint company issued coins with sands from a beach (World War 2 landing memorial), holy water blessed by the Holy-See, and then coloured coins and coins featuring Mickey Mouse cartoons. Some collectors may like them, but for me, this is getting a bit too much to collect. Don't forget that when you collect them, you also have to consider collecting those minted with copper-nickel material, silver and if your bank account allows, gold or platinum coins too.