How To Know If Your Old Malaysian Banknotes And Coins Are Worth A Lot Nowadays

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of Malaysian coins and banknotes collectors, as with the demand for the monies.

Dickson Niew, a numismatist who owns a shop that specialises in rare coins and banknotes, noted that there are now many Facebook groups and blogs on Malaysian banknotes and coins.

"I think there was more than a 300% increase in the demand for local banknotes and coins from 2000 to 2015," he was quoted as saying in a cover story published by The Edge Markets in April.

In fact, old monies have become increasingly popular among investors who are looking to reap profits from their collection. Even youngsters are interested in this hobby now as the returns are rather promising. 

For instance, the face value of the limited edition commemorative banknotes released by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement is RM60. 

Although the single RM60 banknote has a face value of RM60, BNM has announced that these banknotes will be sold at RM120 a piece. 

1. The mintage (the number of copies of coins or banknotes that were issued into circulation). When the quantity issued is small, the value of the monies is usually higher. For example, the 1 sen copper coin made in 1976 is valued in the thousands because it is believed that there are only about 100 pieces of them in the market.

2. The condition. The condition of monies such as whether they are worn or have defects in colour will determine their values. When monies have higher grades (as determined by reputable money grading companies), their value increases as well.

3. The serial number on printed on banknotes. In general, banknotes with solid notes (meaning all digits in the serial number are the same, such as 1111111 for example) are valued higher. Back in 2015, someone went to a Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) auction and paid RM76,000 just for a RM100 bank note bearing the serial number AA8888888.

In the end, these factors point to one single thing: rarity.

Take for example the 1999 RM1 banknotes that were wrongly printed with former Bank Negara Governor Tan Sri Ali Abul Hassan Sulaiman’s signature and were circulated in a small amount by mistake.

Today, the rare RM1 banknotes are being sought-after by collectors who are willing to fork out up to RM2,000 to get their hands on one that is in good condition and with the 'CR' prefix in the serial number.

Those with rare banknotes and coins can look for buyers easily through community marketplaces on Facebook or even on apps like Carousell. 

Many people have also put up their rare monies for sale online on sites such as Mudah.my or eBay, or sell them in person at popular flea markets.

There's also the option to sell them to local banknotes and coins dealers.