SPINK SINGAPORE AUCTION REALIZED PRICES AND HIGHLIGHTS 16TH AUGUST 2015

Spink auction considered as the mother of all auctions that provide customers with a diverse array of extremely rare banknotes from the Straits Settlements, British Malaya, Malaysia as well as other exceptional foreign banknotes. There are so many rare items that you won't see in any other auction houses and this year saw the return of Spink after an absent of 6 years. With all the prominent collectors and dealers participated in the auction it is bound to be the real test as to where the market is on upper end rarities and the realized prices are expected to surge beyond expectation naturally.


The remarkable performance for Straits Settlements and British Malaya banknotes has proven that collecting numismatics is all about collecting a piece of history and it is now making a come back. However there are a few mind-blowing realized prices for modern Malaysia banknotes that you try to convince yourself to believe.

There are too many lots that i couldn't put all of them here and i will just highlights a few that are exceptional than the rest as below here.

Exchange rates : SGD1.00 = MYR2.90 (16th August 2015)
Subject to Buyer Premium = 20% 
Subject to Singapore GST = 7%

Sold SGD9500 + BP + GST

Sold SGD18,000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD2300 + BP +GST

Sold SGD1500 (UNC) + BP + GST

Sold SGD2300 + BP +GST

Sold SGD25,000 + BP +GST

Sold SGD5000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD5500 + BP + GST

Sod SGD25,000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD11,000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD24,000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD24,000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD30,000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD40,000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD64,000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD500 + BP + GST

Sold SGD850 + BP + GST

Sold SGD17,000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD950 (VF) SGD950 + BP + GST

Sold SGD18,000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD19,000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD44,000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD44,000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD55,000 + BP + GST

Sold 1898 $5 VICTORIA (almost Fine) SGD16,000 + BP + GST

Sold 1900 $5 VICTORIA (Fine) SGD21,000 + BP + GST

Sold 1901 $5 EDWARD (VF) SGD4800 + BP + GST

Sold 1916 $5 EDWARD (GVF) SGD5000 + BP + GST

Sold 1916 $10 EDWARD SGD9500 + BP + GST

Sold 1925 $5 KGV (almost VF) SGD2000 + BP +GST

Sold SGD10,000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD18,000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD24,000 + BP + GST

Sold 1930 $10 KGV (GVF) SGD8000 + BP + GST

Sold 1931 $1 KGV (EF) SGD850 + BP + GST

Sold SGD4200 + BP + GST

Sold 1931 $5 KGV (VF) SGD2900 + BP + GST

Sold 1933 $10 KGV (GVF) SGD2200 + BP + GST

Sold 1934 $10 KGV (GVF) SGD1800 + BP + GST

Sold SGD1900 + BP + GST

Sold SGD7000 + BP + GST with "Cancelled" stamp on the banknote

Sold SGD6500 + BP + GST

Sold 1935 $5 KGV (VF) SGD850 + BP + GST

Sold SGD6000 + BP + GST

Sold 1935 $10 KGV (VF) SGD900 + BP + GST

Sold SGD2600 + BP + GST

Sold SGD1900 + BP + GST

Sold SGD2500 + BP + GST

Sold SGD7500 + BP + GST

Sold SGD1000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD2100 + BP + GST

Sold SGD800 + BP + GST

Sold 1940 $5 British North Borneo (VF) SGD1300 + BP + GST

Sold 1942 $1 Nissan Estate (GVF) SGD6000 + BP + GST

Sold 1942 $5 British North Borneo Nissan Estate (about FINE) SGD1800 + BP + GST

Sold SGD8500 + BP + GST

Sold SGD4000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD2100 + BP + GST

Sold SGD8000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD14000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD12000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD27000 + BP + GST

Sold 1935 $1 Sarawak (AUNC) SGD1400 + BP + GST

Sold SGD5000 Specimen + BP + GST

Sold SGD1700 + BP + GST

Sold SGD9000 Specimen + BP + GST

Sold SGD1300 + BP + GST

Sold SGD8500 (Specimen) + BP + GST

Sold SGD1600 + BP + GST

Sold 1936 $1 Sungei Buloh (AUNC) SGD10000 + BP + GST

Sold 1936 5c Sungei Buloh (AUNC) SGD16000 + BP + GST

Sold 1936 10c Sungei Buloh (AUNC) SGD19000 + BP + GST

Sold 1928-1934 One Picul Rubber Coupon (EF) 3pieces SGD3500 + BP + GST

Sold 1928-1934 25Katis Rubber Coupon (EF) 2pieces SGD1900 + BP + GST

Sold 1941 One Picul Rubber Coupon (1piece EF & 1piece GVF) 2pieces SGD1300 + BP + GST

Malaya Rubber Export Coagulant Unit coupons,  a strip of 3 1 unit coupons, 1941, strip of 3x 2 unit coupons, 1940, another 1940, another 1941, a strip of 3x 5 unit coupons, January 1940, also Johore 3x1 unit coupons, 1940, 3x5 unit coupons, 1941 and also Straits Settlements strip of 3x1 unit coupons, 1940 Total 8 pieces, condition from EF to UNC. Sold SGD3200 + BP + GST.

Sold 1967 A/1 prefix (AUNC) & Z/1 replacement (AUNC) 2pieces SGD1100 + BP + GST

Sold 1967 Z/1 replacement (UNC) SGD3000 + BP + GST

Sold 1967 (UNC) SGD1800 + BP + GST

Sold 1967 (AUNC) SGD1800 + BP + GST

Sold 1967 (VF) SGD4800 + BP + GST

Sold 1972 Z/1 replacement (UNC) SGD1800 + BP + GST

Sold 1972 Z/2 replacement (UNC) SGD550 + BP + GST

Sold 1976 Serial number error notes 2pieces (AUNC) SGD1100 + BP + GST

Sold 1976 Serial number error note (EF) SGD400 + BP + GST 

Sold SGD8500 + BP + GST

 

Sold SGD7000 + BP + GST

Sold 1976 Malaysia RM100 Error serial numbers omitted (VF) SGD3800 + BP + GST

Sold 1976 Malaysia RM100 Error print (AUNC) SGD2400 + BP + GST

Sold 1976 Malaysia (UNC) SGD1300 + BP + GST

Sold SGD5200 + BP + GST

Sold 1981 RM5 (UNC) Error serial nos SGD500 + BP + GST

Sold 1981 RM5 (UNC) Error serial nos SGD580 + BP + GST

Sold 1981 RM10 (UNC) X/1 replacement SGD460 + BP + GST

Sold 1981 RM10 (UNC) X/1 replacement SGD550 + BP + GST

Sold 1981 RM50 (UNC) X/1 replacement SGD3200 + BP + GST

Sold 1981 RM100 (UNC) SGD2900 + BP + GST

Sold X/1 replacement SGD13000 + BP + GST

Sold 1982 RM5 NZ replacement (UNC) SGD220 + BP + GST

Sold 1982 RM50 WA replacement (UNC) SGD1900 + BP + GST

Sold 1982 RM100 ZZ replacement (UNC) SGD4200 + BP + GST

Sold 1982 RM500 (UNC) SGD1300 + BP + GST

Sold 1983 RM1000 (UNC) SGD4200 + BP + GST

Sold SGD520 + BP + GST

Sold SGD10000 + BP + GST

Sold SGD2900 + BP + GST

Sold 1989 RM1000  (UNC) SGD1000 + BP + GST

Sold 1995 RM10 Specimen (AUNC) SGD3200 + BP + GST

Sold 1995 RM50 Specimen (AUNC) SGD3800 + BP + GST

Sold 1995 RM1000 ZZ replacement (VF) SGD1300 + BP + GST

Sold 1999 RM2 Colour Trial Specimen (UNC) SGD15000 + BP + GST

Sold 1999 RM2 Specimen (AUNC) SGD6000 + BP + GST

Sold 1999 RM10 Error (UNC) SGD420 + BP + GST

Sold 2001 RM50 Speciment (EF) SGD3200 + BP + GST

All the above images are courtesy of Spink.

Andrew

NUMISMATICS ECONOMY IN MALAYSIA

By now everyone should know the economy situation in Malaysia are not good as there are several factors that are hurting our economy. Malaysia were hit hard on its currency MYR against the USD with today exchange rates touching 3.88 against the USD (as time of writing 06/08/15) couple with the fall of oil price (Brent crude) to USD49.50 per barrel from USD115.00 last year and this has hurt our economy greatly as we are an oil producing country. Our stock exchange are also in the doldrums caused by the above mentioned factors and resulted to losses to the retailers. Malaysians also need to live with higher cost of living with the recent implemented of the GST (Goods Sales Tax).

All these factors has contributed to lesser "disposable income" and this has affected the numismatics industries. Collectors have stopped buying and there are more sellers than buyers now and this has caused the prices to come down.

The only good things where i can think of are the good (high quality) and rare stuffs (banknotes/coins) have come out for sale to the market and nobody are fighting with you over it. And the realized prices can be surprisingly low.

I will share with you here what my recent acquisition are.

I only pay "peanuts" price for this 2 pieces of 1953 $1 QE II consecutive numbers of 66EPQ.

Another piece of "gem" i have found is the 1939 Thailand $1 Bath 66EPQ. And the price i have paid are just "peanuts" comparing last year 2014 crazy prices.

Always remember to buy when no one buys and sell when everyone are buying. Rule of thumb #1 "buy-low-sell-high" strategy. This strategy also goes to "collectors" as well, of course besides the dealers too.

Happy hunting !

Andrew

THE RETURN OF JUNE SHIPMENT FROM NGC

Sharing with all of you the unboxing of June shipment received on the 31st July 2015.

This lot contains proof coins of various countries and sizes from Malaysian collectors.

The FEDEX Extra Large box came back from NGC  Florida to Penang cost RM850.00 (corporate rates after discount). From Penang to NGC cost RM320.00 (corporate rates after discount).

* There are also 6% GST based on the invoice value incurred for this shipment.

* Insurance cost applies to cover the risk "to-and-from" (Door-to-Door) coverage.

A beautiful Tuvalu 2015 5oz pure silver Mythical Creatures coin weighing almost 1kg, nicely packed separately on the different box. Congratulation to Mr.Sing from KL for the uniqueness and the owner of this coin.

Such a magnificent  proof set of 1978 Singapore PF69. Congratulation to Mr.Hallowei the owner of this set.

China commemorative coins are very popular among asian collectors.  Congratulation to Mr. KS Tan from KL on your chinese coins collection.

Parliament coins has subdued in recent times, the focus and attention has switched to Malaysian commemorative proof coins.

2011 WWF set of 2 remain very popular and it is extremely very hard to obtain "perfect" PF70 especially for the nordic gold coins. Congratulation to Mr.Teoh from Penang the owner of this set.

Very rare proof silver coins mintage between 300pcs to 400pcs only. Congratulation to Mr.Teoh from Penang for obtaining perfect PF70 for 2009 Parliament proof coin.

2014 Malaysia-China proof coins remain very popular among collectors. Congratulation to Mr.Sing from KL, keep collecting.

Happy Viewing,

Andrew

SOUTH VIET NAM 1975 5000 DONG & 10000 DONG SPECIMEN

I will be sending this pair of banknote to PMG for grading, the condition are GEM UNC with sharp corners, paper crisps and without foxing.

This banknote was printed by Thomas De La Rue,UK in 1975 and with watermark of a lady however it was unissued. There are two types, the specimen notes with serial number of "A1 000000" and another type with serial numbers that are meant for circulation however it was not issued due to the communist victory on April 30th 1975.

However 2 months before the communist victory there are few of these notes (with full serial numbers) came out in circulation among the inter-bank transactions due to its high face value. Few of these banknotes still can be found in numismatics circles but the condition are circulated and possibly stolen ones when the banks were plundered during their transitions.

Instantly these notes became very popular globally among the collectors because of its history furthermore it has very striking color and animal theme. It is one of the most beautiful banknotes i've ever seen.

Happy Reading,
Andrew

PMG & PCGS ARE THE ONLY TWO COMPANIES RECOGNIZES BY EBAY

Please take note, EBAY only recognize PMG & PCGS as a "banknote grading company".

Mark Salzberg (Chairman of PMG) has said "Anyone can encapsulate a note with a label" (he was referring to other "grading companies"). The differences between PMG and other so-called grading companies are multifold and significant:

You can read the rest below here.....

Happy Reading.
Andrew

PMG Chairman Issues Statement on eBay Paper Money Policy Changes

Paper Money Guaranty® (PMG®) Chairman Mark Salzberg has issued a statement on eBay’s new paper money policy announced on Friday. The policy states that eBay now recognizes only two paper money certification services, PMG and PCGS Currency.

I applaud eBay on its recent announcement of greater protection for paper money collectors. Its decision to recognize PMG and PCGS Currency as its only approved paper money certification services reflects what many in the hobby already knew – that not all grading services are the same.
Anyone can encapsulate a note with a label, but this stands in stark contrast to what PMG has done since it was founded more than a decade ago.

Anyone can encapsulate a note with a label, but this stands in stark contrast to what PMG has done since it was founded more than a decade ago. The differences between PMG and other so-called grading companies are multifold and significant:

• PMG has an expert team of unbiased graders. Neither PMG nor its full time graders buy or sell notes commercially. We do not compete with our customers.
• PMG uses a well-established grading scale that is recognized throughout the entire industry. Some other companies have wildly overgraded notes out of self-interest, either because they own the note or because they are trying to get more submissions from people who do not know better. PMG’s grading is accurate and consistent.
• PMG backs every note that it certifies with the industry’s strongest guarantee of grade and authenticity, which gives collectors and dealers recourse and remuneration in the rare event that PMG makes a mistake. If you use any other grading service, ask to see a copy of their guarantee. Ours is on our website, PMGnotes.com.
• PMG encapsulates notes in a holder that has been extensively tested to ensure its suitability for long-term preservation and protection.
• PMG maintains a continually updated population report on its website to show the total number of notes that PMG has certified for each type and grade. There is also a tool to verify PMG’s certification of a note based on an assigned certification number. Both of these resources are free to all visitors to our website.
• PMG has been in business for more than 10 years and has had consistent ownership and management for its entire existence. It is vitally important for collectors and dealers to be confident that the company that certifies their notes is healthy, experienced and will still be around in the distant future.
• PMG is the official paper money grading service of both the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG).

It is no wonder that PMG is the world’s largest third-party paper money grading service with more than one million notes certified.
Countless new collectors are introduced to the hobby through eBay, the world’s largest online auction company. It is essential that these collectors not be fooled into buying notes graded by companies with questionable reputations and practices.
eBay’s new policy goes a long way towards making it safer for people to buy paper money online and I congratulate them on doing the right thing. There remains, however, much more work to be done to protect consumers.
We need eBay to change its coins policy to similarly acknowledge that not all coin grading services are the same. And we need other auction companies and dealers to also take the same actions.
As our hobby evolves and expands, it is imperative that we work together to create greater transparency and add safeguards for collectors. Thank you, eBay, for taking a leadership role, and I look forward to continued improvements by you and the rest of our hobby.
-Mark Salzberg

About Paper Money Guaranty^® (PMG^®)

Founded in 2005, PMG is the world’s most comprehensive third-party paper money grading and encapsulation service. PMG has established the industry’s highest standards of integrity, and the company’s dedication to consistent and accurate grading has helped PMG become the world’s largest, most trusted note grading service. To learn more, visit PMGnotes.com or call (877) PMG-5570.
 © 2015 Paper Money Guaranty. All rights reserved.

MALAYSIA 1976 TAPIR PROOF GOLD COIN NGC PF 70

This is one of the "key date" of Malaysia gold coins and highly sought after.

The proof version has a mintage of 508pcs minted by Royal Mint UK in 1976 in conjunction of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Royal Mint UK has issued a 24 pieces of proof and BU coins for 24 countries back then and now they are highly sought after by international collectors.

Please click on the link here on my previous article on this issue ( 1976 Conservation Gold Coin )

Happy Reading.

Andrew