Bank Negara Malaysia is responsible for issuing the coins of the Malaysian Ringgit . The coins are denominated in sen, with 100 sen making up 1 Ringgit.
Currently, there are three series of Malaysian coins:
- First series (introduced 1967): These coins featured the Houses of Parliament on the reverse, with the national flower, the hibiscus (bunga raya), and the word “Malaysia” on the obverse. Denominations were 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 sen, with a 1 Ringgit coin added in 1971.
- Second series (introduced 1989): These coins moved away from the parliament design and incorporated items representing Malaysian culture. An example is the 1998 20 sen coin, featuring modernized designs, [according to Etsy].
- Third series (introduced 2012): This series, with the theme “Distinctively Malaysia,” draws inspiration from traditional crafts and the country’s flora and fauna. The designs reflect the diversity and richness of Malaysia’s national identity. Examples of motifs include:
– 5 sen: Destar Siga (a traditional headdress motif).
– 10 sen: Orang Asli motif (inspired by the weaving patterns of indigenous tribes).
– 20 sen: Bunga Melur (jasmine flower, culturally significant in Malaysia).
– 50 sen: Sulur Kacang (pea tendrils motif, popular in traditional woodcarving and silversmithing).
Bank Negara Malaysia also issues commemorative coins to mark significant events or anniversaries. Examples include:
- Commemorative coins for the launch of the Third Series of Malaysian Coins.
- Commemorative coins for the 50th anniversary of the Kilang Wang (Malaysia’s mint).
- Limited-edition commemorative coins for the 150th anniversary of Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR), 50th anniversary of Pihak Berkuasa Kemajuan Pekebun Kecil Perusahaan Getah (RISDA), and 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations.
- Commemorative coins for the installation of His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim as the seventeenth Yang di-Pertuan Agong. These include a gold coin with 999.9 purity and weighing 8 grams.
Malaysian coins are collected by numismatists worldwide. Older or rare coins can have significant value to collectors. For example, a 1969 1 Ringgit coin described as “a rare gem that has toned beautifully over the years” was offered for sale at 11.99USD. Another 1969 1 Ringgit coin was offered at 15.49USD. Online marketplaces like eBay frequently feature various Malaysian coins for sale.
Are old Malaysian coins still valid?
Still legal tender unless Bank Negara explicitly states otherwise.
How much are old Malaysian coins worth?
With the coins no longer being used, some of the coins have managed to developed a higher value due to its collectible value. According to a website called Malaysian Coin some of these 1 sen coins are worth from RM2 to as much as RM1,800 depending on year and condition.
What is the old $1 coin in Malaysia?
The $1 coin for normal circulation was issued on 1 May 1971. The reverse of each coin depicted the Parliament building, symbolising the Malaysian people’s faith in democracy.
What is the Malaysian coin called?
Thanks for asking. The Malaysian ringgit (MYR), unofficially called the Malaysian dollar, is the official currency of Malaysia. The Malaysian ringgit is divided into 100 sen. Economy.