Greeting fellow readers. I purchased this at Selangor Pewter Visitors Centre, Setapak Jaya a few years back, during my avid numismatic collection days.
In ancient Tanah Melayu times, tin currency was used in numerous shape and forms. They had crocodile, turtle, Elephant, cockerel, beetle and various other currency.
Although it does not corrode, Tin is a material that is fragile and easy to bend or break.
This is a nice idea by Selangor pewter to promote and pay homage to our old ancient currency. The idea of tying coins around the neck or other parts of the body (in the form of a bracelet or waste band) was not new to them (Selangor Pewter) and was used by our ancestors to carry around currency. That is why old ancient coins mostly had holes in the middle.
The pewter coin sold by Selangor Pewter is a replica of a Kelantan pitis from 1321 AH / 1903 AD, during the reign of Sultan Muhammad IV (1899 -1920). On the observe of the coin is inscribed in Arabic, Suni’a fi Jumada’l Ula sanat 1321. Meaning issued on Jumada’l Ula (5th month of the Muslim calendar) 1903 / 1904. On the reverse is inscribed, Adim Mulkahu Belanjaan Karajan Kelantan. Meaning, permanent be the prosperity of the currency of Kelantan.
This single pendant pewter coin, model number 8713 retails below RM50. I forgot the price as it has been a purchase so long ago.
They do sell the whole coin tree or money tree measuring 6cm x 12cm, model no. 7481 at about RM1000. Consisting 15 coins on a tree. Back in the old days these pitis or currency would be broken off from a branch and used for payment or purchase of items.
To me, men need to be fashionable. Nothing is wrong wearing pendants. Why not something meaningful, different and even has a aura of mystic? A conversation piece, if you may.
I purchased 4 in total for me, my wife and 2 kids, to signify solidarity among us and signifying we are one family.
Later it dawned on me, that although Selangor Pewter produced a gorgeous flawless piece, it remains a replica. No matter how you look at it. Is is a replica. Albeit, a sturdy one. My personal thoughts on It is, since the original Kelantan pitis is still affordable. Purchase one that is in prime and mint condition, from a reputable dealer. Keep that in your collection and purchase one that is a tad not pristine as your pendant. Just be careful with the tin pendant as it is flimsy and not sturdy as the former by Selangor Pewter. You will then have something with historical value around your neck and a REAL conversation piece.
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