Sarawak Coin 1842 : 1 Keping

Descriptions

Observe :

A badger over inscription J.B. ( James Brooke ) | SEP 24 1841  

Reverse :

Jawi inscription ساتو كڤيڠ ( satu keping ) in the middle and  ۱۲۴۷ ( 1247 ) of the Hijri Calendar at the bottom

Technical Detail

Diameter : 21.5mm

Weight : 1.75g

Composition : Copper or Brass

Issue : 1842

Brief Introduction

This is believed to be the first coin minted by James Brooke, for 24 September 1841 was the date Sarawak ceded to Brooke, of which Brooke made the first white Rajah of Sarawak.

The first Sarawak own coin was minted by the Birmingham Mint.   The coin feature a badger facing left, with initial “J.B” ( for James Brooke ) under the badger.  At the bottom is the date “SEP 24 1841” which commemorate the date Brooke made Rajah of Sarawak.

The reverse dies were recycled from dies used to make Singapore Merchant token, ‘duit ayam’ as the local called.  Thus it is explained that the year written in Arabic " ۱۲۴۷ " 1247 ( Gregorian calendar 1831 ) is contradicting with the year "1841"  inscribed on the observe.