Brasher Doubloon owner at the center of lawsuit

Do you still remember about the Brasher Doubloon first gold coin made in the United States? The owner of the coin is at the center of lawsuit by Rare coin researcher William Swoger. The co-owners of the Brasher Doubloon, Steven L. Contursi of Laguna Beach, California, President of Rare Coin Wholesalers of Dana Point, California, and Donald H. Kagin, Ph. D., President of Kagin's in Tiburon, California. Plaintiff says the owners of a Brasher Doubloon reneged on a deal to pay him for information that he says shows the coin was the first made under the new U.S. government -- which would boost its value to $10 million. 

picture by: emediawire.com

The Brasher Doubloon is steeped in historic reverence and mystique. It dates to Colonial America and the dawning of the new federal government, when Spanish gold doubloons circulated alongside other foreign gold and silver as part of New World commerce. The coin takes its name from Ephraim Brasher, a respected New York City gold- and silversmith who lived next door to George Washington. In 1787, Brasher began making gold coins, presumably to be used as currency for the soon-to-be-formed republic. 

Seven of them remain and are sanctified as the first truly American gold coins. That fact, along with their distinctively American design and Brasher's friendship with Washington, attached a permanent legacy to the coins. The coins are nearly identical, but one of them is first among equals. And it is that coin, worth $15 when Washington was president but most recently sold for nearly $3 million, that is at the heart of a lawsuit filed in Orange County Superior Court. Rare coin researcher William Swoger says he told the coin's owners that he had "specialized information" about the coin and that they reneged on finalizing a contract to pay him in exchange for the information.

Steve Contursi owner of Brasher Doubloon

Swoger's lawsuit alleges that he approached Kagin and Contursi several months ago and told them the coin was worth much more than they realized. The key, he told them, is that the coin wasn't the first of the seven struck by Brasher beginning in 1787. Contrary to the prevailing view in numismatic circles, Swoger says it was the last, and probably not struck until 1793. That later date is crucial, Swoger says, because this coin was fractionally heavier than the others and made to conform to a 1793 act of Congress that established weight standards for gold coins in the new republic. The other six coins are of identical weight and predate the formation of the new government, he says.

According to the lawsuit, Swoger informed the owners that he had discovered information that would make their coin much more valuable and asked for a $500,000 fee. They countered with $250,000, the suit alleges, and then asked for a meeting at which Swoger would disclose the information. Swoger met with Kagin, explained his thesis and was given a gold coin valued at $35,000 as a down payment, the suit alleges. Swoger alleges Kagin said he and Contursi would prepare a contract but never did. Swoger is suing for millions of dollars in damages.

One side of the rare Brasher Doubloon features an eagle with wings spread, holding an olive branch in one talon and arrows of war in the other. Of the seven existing coins, this is the only one that has "EB" -- the artist's initials -- stamped on the eagle's shield.

One side of the Brasher Doubloon features a sun setting behind mountains and the sea. Of the seven nearly identical coins, six have "EB" stamped on this side.

In an interview, Swoger, who is 65 and lives in Lake Odessa, Mich., said he is confident he can prove the coin was the last in the series and not the first. He declined to provide details. His attorney said an ad in a 1790s New York newspaper spurred Swoger's research about the sequencing of the doubloons. Swoger acknowledged that but said learning the exact weight of the historic doubloon -- that it was slightly heavier than the others in the set -- was what led him to conclude it was struck after the others and linked to the congressional act.

The lawsuit alleges that Swoger's theory would elevate the coin's value to $10 million.

"If I'm wrong and they can prove me wrong," Swoger said, "they owe me no money for the information. If my information is correct, it gives much more importance to Ephraim Brasher himself and his other gold coins, because it gives him a longevity that was not known before."

The lawsuit is an uncommon event in the world of rare-coin collecting, but there's no doubt that the Brasher Doubloon is fertile territory for intrigue.

Source: Los Angeles Times

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Kelantan Kijang Gold Kupang

I just come back from Penang yesterday to collect a bunch of coins from my runner. After meeting him, I walk along jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling and found a man selling a coin. Most of the coins he show are not interesting enough for me. When I about to walk away from him, he take something in his pocket and show me a bunch of old gold coins. One of them is a Kelantan Kijang Gold Kupang. He try to sell it to me for 500 ringgit. The cheap price simply to good to be true. Something that I learn from my coin collecting hunting trip.

I remember from Malaysia numismatic society auction in 2008, the Kelantan Kijang Gold Kupang start the price from 950 ringgit Malaysia. The price can go up to 2 thousand ringgit for a piece of Kelantan Kijang Gold Kupang. When meeting my runner, we talk about the gold coin and he advice me don't buy something you don't know anything about. He also alert me that some fake Straits Settlements coins especially the high price already come into market. One of the coin is in auction by Malaysia numismatic society without everyone realize that it is fake. This fake coins is using the same material, composition, weight, diameter and come without any flaw at all. Some of the coins that he mention are King Edward one dollar 1903B raised, King George V half dollar 1921 dot, King Edward VII 50 cents 1902-1903-1905, Queen Victoria 50 cents 1889-1883.


That guy also selling some Acheh old gold coins for 150 ringgit a piece. Aceh is located at the northern tip of Sumatra, strategically controlling the entrance to the Straits of Malacca. In 1511, the Portuguese seized the important strategic port of Malacca, pushing many Asian and Arabic traders to the developing port of Aceh. Sultan Ali Mughayat Shah became the first ruler of Aceh from 1514.

Different views were given regarding the origin of the Kijang gold coins. One is the view which associates the coins with Che Siti Wan Kembang, a female ruler in Kelantan. Her reign was rather obscure as one historian places her in the 14th century while another puts her in the 17th century. According to local folklore, some Arab traders presented a Kijang to the Queen. She became very fond of her pet and had it inscribed on the gold coins. Another version was linked to the influence of Saivite Hinduism. The connection was based on the fact that the earliest issue of Kijang coins resembled the Indian humped-back bull and the bull motif was depicted on the ancient Hindu coins which were circulated in the Northern Malay States.

Malay states started to use kupang when Acheh trader come here. The use of Kupang Gold Coin was spreading and widely used by the rich people at that time. The word Kupang maybe come from a place in Aceh; kupang. Between 1400 to 1780, a number of gold coins or Kupang were known to be minted for used in Patani and Kelantan. Unfortunately, little is known about the history of Kelantan coinage as these coins were not dated, except for the gold Kupang with the inscription “Al Julus Kelantan”, which were issued after 1780.

The Kelantan-Patani gold coins which were on display in the Malaysia Money Museum were only minted in one denomination, namely a Kupang, which contained approximately 9 grains of gold. There were three types of Kelantan gold coins: the Kijang coins, the Dinar Matahari or Sun coins, and coins with Arabic inscriptions on both sides. The Kijang coins derived their name from the motif of the Malayan barking deer or Kijang embossed as the obverse design. This motif is used as the logo of Bank Negara Malaysia.

Several types of tin pitis, which were cast in the form of “coin trees” were also issued. The tin coin trees were produced by the use of moulds adapted from those used by the Chinese to cast copper coins. The coins were broken off from their branches to be used as cash, and the unused metal of the tree was then re-smelted in the next casting. All issues of Kelantan local coinage were discontinued in 1909 when the Straits Settlements coinage was introduced.

Kelantan Kijang Gold Kupang; Malik Al Adi

Obverse: Hump Bull/Kijang deer facing left. Salivary flow in the mouth with tail rising. A crescent moon and sun above

Reverse : Malik Al Adil (The Just Ruler) in 3 rows and different style.

Source: Bank Negara Money Museum, malay-coins.tripod.com

What do you think? Is this a fake coin or is this the original Kelantan Kijang Gold Kupang? Do you have any Kelantan Kijang Gold Kupang in your collection. How much do you pay to get your precious possession?

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£1million Viking treasure hoard goes on display

Discovered in 6 January 2007 by two metal detectorists David Whelan, 60, and his 35-year-old son Andrew through a farmer’s field near Harrogate, in northern England, who reported it to their local finds officer, the hoard has since been valued at more than £1million by the Independent Treasure Valuation Committee. The most important Viking treasure to be discovered in 150 years has been jointly acquired by York Museums Trust and the British Museum. It will now go on joint display at the two venues.

The Vale of York hoard, unearthed by a father and son team of treasure hunters in a field and dated at more than 1,000 years old, includes many precious metal objects including 617 coins, a gilt silver vessel, a rare gold armring, ingots and chopped-up fragments known as hack silver. The objects, which the Yorkshire Museum will share with the British Museum , are said to have been amassed from Afghanistan, Ireland, Russia and Scandinavia, underlining the global reach of seafarers during the medieval period. The hoard was probably buried by a wealthy Viking leader during the unrest that followed the conquest of the Viking kingdom of Northumbria in AD 927 by the Anglo-Saxon king Athelstan (924-39). It is being regarded as the most significant find of its kind in since 1840.

For David Whelan and his son Andrew, the ’metal detectorists’ who unearthed the find, it has proved a treasure hunters’ dream come true. They will share its valuation — £1,082,000 — with the landowner. They recalled that their expedition in fields around Harrogate in January 2007, had started badly when they were turned away from two farms. They were left with a site they believed to be unpromising because all they had previously turned up there were buttons. Almost immediately they unearthed the hoard.

Andrew said: “My father got a strong signal and a cup tumbled out after a couple of scoops of earth. There was a coin sat on the top of this bundle. We knew then it was something big and we were shaking with excitement as we lifted it out”.

The pair have won the praise of conservationists for swiftly realising the value of their find and leaving it virtually untouched for experts to carefully unwrap. They declared their treasure to their local finds liaison officer in Leeds.

Much of the hoard, which contains 67 objects, was preserved inside the gilt silver vessel, made around the middle of the 9th century, close to where the present-day Franco-German border runs. It was probably intended for use in church services and was believed to have been looted by Vikings from a monastery. The artefacts were extraordinarily well-preserved because they had kept in a lead container. The hoard also contains coins relating to Islam and the pre-Christian religion of the Vikings.

Andrew said: “Being keen metal detectorists we always dreamt of finding a hoard but to find one from such a fantastic period of history is just unbelievable.

“The contents of the hoard we found went far beyond our wildest dreams and hopefully people will love seeing the objects on display in York and London for many, many years to come.”

The York Museums Trust in York and the British Museum acquired he find with the assistance of the National Lottery Fund. It will go on display in York on September 17 before moving to London. One of the coins, which bears the Latin inscription, Rex Tiotius Britanniae, dating to 927, is the earliest indication of Britain being under one ruler, at a time when the country was split between Viking and Anglo-Saxon control.

Lee Clark of the York Museums Trust, which will share ownership of the hoard with the British Museum, said: “The size and quality of the material in the hoard is remarkable, making it the most important find of its type in Britain for over 150 years.

“It is the largest and most important Viking hoard from Britain since the hoard found at Cuerdale in Lancashire in 1840.” Jonathan Williams, Keeper of Prehistory and Europe at the British Museum, said: “This find is of global importance as well as having huge significance for the history of England and Yorkshire.”

Source: UK Timesonline, MSNBC

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Kids project: Bi-metallic coins

Today Kids Project will be Bi-metallic coins. Bi-metallic coins are coins consisting of more than one metal or alloy, generally arranged with an outer ring around a contrasting center. To anyone who is new to my blog, Kids Project is a suggestion from me, the best and cheap way to start collecting coin for your kids. This hunting project for your kids will only cost around 50 to 100 ringgit and you do not need to start with a big budget. You can give them a small budget every month and go out together for their coin hunting trip. Some of my Kids project you do not have to start with any budget at all. Most of them is a circulation coin that you can find in your pocket.

Bi-metallic coins have been issued for a long time, with examples known dating from the 1600s, while the Roman Empire issued special occasion, large medallions with a center of bronze or copper and an outer ring of orichalcum, starting with the reign of Hadrian. The silver-center cent pattern produced by the United States in 1792 is another example. In recent times, the first circulating bi-metallic coin was the 500 Italian lire, first issued in 1982. France, with a 10 franc coin and Thailand, with a 10 baht, issued bi-metallic coins for circulation in 1988.India has released 10 Rupee bimetallic coins in 2009 that contains dateline of 2006 (minted at Noida). As well as circulating coins, where they are generally restricted to high denomination coins, bi-metallic coins are often used in commemorative issues, they are used as a way of securing against coin counterfeiting.

Here are some of the beautiful Bi-metallic circulation coin that you can help your kids collect:

Germany 2002 one euro
Bi-Metallic Copper-Nickel center in Brass ring,
Weight 7.5000 g., Diameter 23.3 mm.
Obv: Stylized eagle Obv. Designer: Heinz Sneschana Russewa-Hover
Rev: Denomination over map Rev. Designer: Luc Luycx
Edge:Three normally reeded and three very finely reeded sections

Thailand 1989 10 Baht
Weight 8.5400 g., diameter 26 mm.
Bi-Metallic Aluminum-bronze center in Stainless steel ring,
Ruler: Bhumipol Adulyadej (Rama IX)
Obv: Head left within circle
Rev: Temple of the Dawn within circle
Edge: Segmented reeding Note: Varieties exist.

Hong Kong 10 dollars
Diameter 24 mm.Bi-Metallic Nickel-Brass center in Copper-Nickel ring,
Ruler: Elizabeth II Obv: Bauhinia flower
Rev: Numerals 10 and denomination in Chinese and English

The manufacturing process of Bi-metallic coins is similar to that of ordinary coins, except that two blanks (the inner and the outer) are struck at the same time, deforming the separate blanks sufficiently to hold them together. I suggest you look for euro coin since most of euro coin are using Bi-metallic coins. You can go to any money changer or coin dealer with your kids and look for Bi-metallic coins. Some of the Bi-metallic coin have a great story come along with them. For example, Canada 2 dollar coin is called Toonie coin that come from the word Loonie for one dollar coin.

Have you start any kids project lately? Is that kids project involve any coin or banknote collecting? Feel free to share them in with everyone in here.

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Selamat Hari Merdeka; Anniversary of independence coin

I want to wish Selamat Hari Merdeka for all my Malaysian blog reader. We will be celebrating 52 years of independence anniversary on 31st August 2009. This year celebration will be held at Dataran Parlimen due to the ramadhan month and Influenza A (H1N1) that has been spread across this country. I try to find 2009 Merdeka 52 years logo but I cannot found the real logo in almost every government website that suppose to put that logo.

Last time, there are coin released by Bank Negara Malaysia that commemorate Malaysia anniversary of independence for every 5 year sequence. Its start in 1977 and ended in 1997 with only 3 coin minted. In 2007, Bank negara launch 50 years of independence coin. I wish bank negara will start to produce merdeka coin for every 5 years with this coin. This coin will be a good collection for all Malaysia coin collector. Here are the old merdeka coin and some information about them.

20th Anniversary of Independence 1 ringgit coin

Copper-Nickel, Diameter: 33.4 mm. Weight: 16.80g

Obv: Malaysia 1st Yang Dipertuan Agong; Tuanku Abdul Rahman Head

Rev: Malaysia Coat of Arms/Jata Negara

Minted by: Franklin Mint

25th Anniversary of Independence 1 ringgit coin

Copper-Nickel, Diameter: 33.4 mm. Weight: 16.80g

Obv: Malaysia 1st Prime minister; Tunku Abdul Rahman left arm raised

Rev: Malaysia Coat of Arms/Jata Negara

Minted by: Royal Mint, UK

30th Anniversary of Independence 1 ringgit coin

Copper-Zinc Diameter: 24.5 mm. Weight: 9.00g

Obv: Malaysia Coat of Arms/Jata Negara

Rev: Numeral 30 divides dates below with flying doves and sun above

Minted by: Singapore mint

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The effort for independence was spearheaded by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, who led a delegation of ministers and political leaders of Malaya in negotiations with the British in London for Merdeka, or independence along with the first president of the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) Tun Dato Sir Tan Cheng Lock and fifth President of Malaysian Indian Congress Tun V.T. Sambanthan.

Once it became increasingly clear that the Communist threat posed during the Malayan Emergency was petering out, agreement was reached on February 8, 1956, for Malaya to gain independence from the British Empire. However, for a number of logistical and administrative reasons, it was decided that the official proclamation of independence would only be made the next year, on August 31, 1957, at Stadium Merdeka (Independence Stadium), in Kuala Lumpur.

The Federation of Malaysia, comprising the States of Malaya, North Borneo (later renamed Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore was to be officially declared on the date August 31, 1963, on the 6th anniversary of Malayan independence. However, it was postponed to September 16, 1963, mainly due to Indonesian and the Philippines' opposition to the formation of Malaysia. Nevertheless, North Borneo and Singapore declared sovereignty on August 31, 1963. The formation of the Federation of Malaysia was then announced on September 16, 1963 as Malaysia Day. The Independence Day celebration is still held on August 31, the original independence date of Malaya.

Source: Wikipedia

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An early Selamat Hari Merdeka to all my Malaysian reader. I wish our economy and political situation will be better after this. I also wish that Bank Negara Malaysia will not stop producing anniversary of independence coin. Where will you be in this Merdeka day? Do any of you joining the parade?

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Kids Project: Animal coins

Animal has been feature in coin since the worlds first coin, Lydian lion coin been introduced. Today I am suggesting a new kids project; animal coins. Kids Project is a suggestion from me, the best and cheap way to start collecting coin for your kids. This hunting project for your kids will only cost around 50 to 100 ringgit and you do not need to start with a big budget. You can give them a small budget every month and go out together for their coin hunting trip. Some of my Kids project you do not to start with any budget at all. Most of them is a circulation coin that you can find in your pocket.

Just make sure every coin that they collect come with a story for your kids to appreciate them more. With animal coins, it will be easy to search for information regarding the animal on the coins. Almost every country has been using animal in their circulation coin. Here are some coins that I have with a story about that animal that I found in wikipedia.

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Canada 1984 5 cents coin
Weight: 4.6000 g. Size: 21.2 mm. Comp.: Copper-Nickel
Ruler: Elizabeth II
Obv.: Queen's bust right
Rev.: Beaver on rock divides date and denomination

Photo by: Wikipedia

The beaver (genus Castor) is a primarily nocturnal, large, semi-aquatic rodent. Castor includes two extant species, Castor canadensis (native to North America) and Castor fiber (Eurasia). Beavers are known for building dams, canals, and lodges (homes). They are the second-largest rodent in the world (after the capybara). Their colonies create one or more dams to provide still, deep water to protect against predators, and to float food and building material. The North American beaver population was once more than 60 million, but as of 1988 was 6–12 million. This population decline is due to extensive hunting for fur, for glands used as medicine and perfume, and because their harvesting of trees and flooding of waterways may interfere with other land uses.

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Indonesia 1971 25 Rupiah coin
3.5000 g., Copper-Nickel, 28 mm.
Obv: Stars flank date below denomination
Rev: Victoria crowned pigeon

Photo by: Wikipedia

The Victoria Crowned Pigeon, Goura victoria, is a large, approximately 74cm (29 in) long and weighing up to 2.5 kg (5.5 lb), bluish-grey pigeon with elegant blue lace-like crests, maroon breast and red iris. The bird may be easily recognized by the unique white tips on its crests. Both sexes are similar. One of three superficially similar species of crowned pigeons (the others being the Western Crowned Pigeon and the Southern Crowned Pigeon), the Victoria Crowned Pigeon is distributed in the lowland and swamp forests of northern New Guinea and surrounding islands. Its diet consists mainly of fruits, figs, seeds and invertebrates. The female usually lays a single white egg. There are two subspecies of the Victoria Crowned Pigeon, Goura victoria victoria, the nominate race is the smaller of the two subspecies and can be found in Yapen, Biak & Supiori. Goura victoria beccarii is found on the mainland of New Guinea

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New Zealand 1967 20 cents
Copper-Nickel, 28.58 mm. Ruler: Elizabeth II
Obv:Young bust right
Rev: Value below Kiwi bird with sprigs above
Note: Rounded, high relief portrait.

Photo by: Wikipedia

Kiwi are flightless birds endemic to New Zealand, in the genus Apteryx and family Apterygidae. At around the size of a domestic chicken, kiwi are by far the smallest living ratites and lay the largest egg in relation to their body size. There are five recognised species - all of which are endangered:

• Great Spotted Kiwi or Roroa, Apteryx haastii, which stands about 45 cm (18 in) high and weighs about 3.3 kg (7.3 lb).
• Little Spotted Kiwi, Apteryx owenii. A docile bird the size of a bantam, it stands 25 cm (9.8 in) high and the female weighs 1.3 kg (2.9 lb).
• The Rowi, also known as the Okarito Brown Kiwi or Apteryx rowi, first identified as a new species in 1994, is slightly smaller, with a greyish tinge to the plumage and sometimes white facial feathers. Distribution of these kiwi are limited to a small area on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand.
• The Tokoeka, Apteryx australis. It is approximately the size of the Great Spotted Kiwi and is similar in appearance to the Brown Kiwi but its plumage is lighter in colour.
• The North Island Brown Kiwi, Apteryx mantelli or Apteryx australis. Females stand about 40 cm (16 in) high and weigh about 2.8 kg (6.2 lb), the males about 2.2 kg (4.9 lb).

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Philipine 1984 50 sentimos coin
6.0000 g., Copper-Nickel, 25 mm.
Obv: Head of Marcelo H. del Pilar left
Rev: Eagle with talons out Note: Eagle's name: PITHECOPHAGA

Photo by: Wikipedia

The Philippine Eagle, Pithecophaga jefferyi, also known as the Great Philippine Eagle, Haribon, or Monkey-eating Eagle, is a bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae and the world’s largest eagle. It is the only member of the genus Pithecophaga and is genetically believed to be most closely related to the snake eagles. The Philippine Eagle has a dark brown back and white underbelly. Its nape possesses long brown feathers that resemble a crest. The bill and talons are large. This eagle is endemic to the Philippines and can be found on four major islands: eastern Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao, with most of the population living on Mindanao. It lives in dipterocarp and mid-montane forests, particularly in steep areas.

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Singapore 1969 20 cents coin
5.6500 g., Copper-Nickel, 23.6 mm.
Obv: Value and date
Rev:Swordfish Edge: Reeded

Photo by: floridafishandhunt.com

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius), also known as Broadbill in some countries, are large, highly migratory, predatory fish characterized by a long, flat bill. They are a popular sport fish, though elusive. Swordfish are elongated, round-bodied, and lose all teeth and scales by adulthood. They reach a maximum size of 177 in. (455 cm) and 1,400 lb (650 kg). The International Game Fish Association's all-tackle angling record for a swordfish was a 1,182 lb (536.15 kg) specimen taken off Chile in 1953. They are the sole member of their family Xiphiidae.

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It is easy to collect animal coins since you can have many animal in your collection. At least 200 country have animal on their coins. You can try changing them in your local money changer or buy them from your local coin dealer. With only 50 ringgit, you can teach your kids how to enjoy a hobby of kings; coin collecting. Do you have idea for Kids project? Share it here with us. I am willing to listen to any idea and question from you.

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How to check genuine money?

Do you know how to check genuine money? This is a tips from Bank Negara Malaysia that I think suitable for almost all circulation currency in this world. This tips base on the new 50 ringgit that had been release into circulation recently. Counterfeit banknotes are reproduction of the real banknotes using materials of low quality but appear similar to the genuine with intent to deceive member of the public. Counterfeit banknotes have no value but it is possible that they may be used and may escape detection for some time. Always check your banknotes when you receive them.

How to Detect a Counterfeit Banknote?

All counterfeits of modern banknotes can be recognized without too much difficulty. The differences can be seen upon closer examination by applying the "FEEL , LOOK, TILT and CHECK" Principle.

1. Counterfeit Detection: Feel

Feel the quality of paper

The genuine banknote is usually printed on very high quality paper and manufactured from cotton. It has a unique feel, crisp sound and slightly rough in the heavily printed areas. The paper used for making the counterfeit notes appears to be poor quality,most common commercial type of paper.

Feel the Intaglio Printing

The intaglio print is a raised printing effect produced by applying layers of tactile inks on various parts of the front and reverse sides of the notes. The counterfeit banknote does not have feeling the raised printing.

2. Counterfeit Detection: Look

Look at the banknote and hold it up to the light

The genuine banknote carry a watermark portrait, security thread and perfect see through features . A watermark portrait of Yang DiPertuan Agong has three dimensional effect and appears soft and shady without sharp outlines portrait. At the base of watermark denomination number is clearly visible. The security thread will always looked embedded in the paper. The hibiscus flower on the obverse will register perfectly with the same flower on the reverse of the banknote. The watermark in the counterfeit is not visible. If any, it can be appears like a drawing. The security thread is simulated and rather blurs, and can be easily scrapped off. The see through features does not perfectly registered with the pattern on the reverse side of the banknote.

The Security Thread is embedded in the paper and appears on the reverse side of the note as coloured intermittent lines. When the note is held against the light, it is seen as a continuous dark coloured line and contains repeated text reading RM50 BNM. When the note is tilted, the colour of the thread changes from red to green and vice versa.

Look under magnifying glass

You can see micro lettering on observe and reverse sides of all banknotes. The lettering on a genuine banknote should be sharp and not blurred. The micro lettering of the words 'BANKNEGARA MALAYSIA', 'BNM' and banknotes denomination i.e. RM1, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM100 on the banknote are not present, only dots are printed to simulate this features.

Look ultra-violet light

Invisible fluorescent elements representing various elements of the background on the obverse and reverse will fluoresce in different colours. Various elements are captured under UV light such as invisible fibres and phosphorescence square.Under UV light the invisible fibres and phosphorescence square are completely missing in the counterfeit note. The paper of the counterfeit is UV bright, meaning that it glows more than genuine banknote paper.

3. Counterfeit Detection: Tilt

Tilt the banknote

LEAD feature (incorporated in RM10, RM50 and RM100).You can see the iridescent stripe shines under a bright light and showing the banknote denomination and the name of BNM when the view angle is shifted. Lead feature is very difficult to counterfeit. Normally the shines of the LEAD cannot be seen. Some counterfeiters will attempt to simulate it by using a plain shiny foil.

PEAK feature

When changing the angle of view by shifting the banknote, a hidden image of denomination number i.e. 50 will be revealed in the centre of the PEAK square. There is no latent image of denomination in the PEAK feature or some simulation of image has been attempted.

4. Check for Security Features

Various security features have been incorporated into the Malaysia Ringgit banknote. It is important for you to be aware of some of these security features and be able to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit notes which are completely worthless.

Using human sense by touching the money and look at it.

Watermark Portrait
Security Thread
LEAD Feature
PEAK Feature
Perfect See Through
Intaglio Print

Using human Sense & Equipments

All the first level features
Security Fiber
Fluorescent Elements
Micro Lettering
Fluorescent Square

What Do You Do If You Receive a Counterfeit Banknote?

Notify the authority immediately if you have received counterfeit banknotes. Using or returning counterfeit banknotes is just as illegal as manufacturing it. Counterfeit banknotes are not eligible for replacement!

Follow these steps:

• Delay the person (passer) who gives you the counterfeit banknotes if possible and observe the passer's description, as well as that of his/her companion if any, and the license numbers of any vehicles used by them.
• Do not write on, cut or re-circulate the counterfeit currency.
• Handle the currency as little as possible (e.g. you can put it in an envelope or plastic cover). Record on a separate sheet of paper all the details about how you got the currency, who gave it to you, where and when you got it.
• Take the counterfeit currency to the nearest police station and surrender the counterfeit currency to them after lodging a police report.

In Malaysia, it is an offence under Penal code Section 489 to

• Forging or counterfeiting currency notes or banknotes,
• Using as genuine forged or counterfeiting currency or banknotes,
• Possession of forged or counterfeiting currency notes or banknotes
• Making or possession of instrument or materials for forging or counterfeiting currency notes or banknotes

Police may arrest without warrant and you can be imprisonment for up to 20 years and fine.

Do you know how to check genuine money after reading this? Please share your experience in counterfeiting money in here. Some of you maybe have a counterfeit money without even realize it. Some people do counterfeit money collecting to help others understand what exactly is a counterfeit money. You need to check your money, is it genuine or counterfeit?

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