The Third Series of Malaysian Coins – Distinctively Malaysia
Bank Negara Malaysia has released the latest new coins and banknotes today. The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib and the Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz have launched the release of the third series of Malaysian Coins & Banknotes carrying with the title of “Distinctively Malaysia”.
The designs of the third series of Malaysian coins draw its inspiration from distinctive elements that define Malaysian culture and heritage. The theme, ‘Distinctively Malaysia’, features motifs from traditional crafts and our flora and fauna. The coins reflect the diversity and richness of Malaysia’s national identity.
Common Features
On the obverse, each denomination features a different motif, 14 dots representing the 13 states and the Federal Territory and (with exception in the case of the 50 sen coin) five horizontal lines representing the five principles of the ‘Rukun Negara’ (national pillars).
On the reverse, the new series of coins feature the national flower Rosa-sinensis hibiscus (known as the ‘Bunga Raya’), numerals indicating the year of minting, the face value of the coin and the words ‘BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA’.
Technical Specifications
| Face Value | 50 sen | 20 sen | 10 sen | 5 sen |
| Alloy | Nickel Brass Clad Copper | Nickel Brass | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Diameter (mm) | 22.65 | 20.60 | 18.80 | 17.78 |
| Weight (gram) | 5.66 | 4.18 | 2.98 | 1.72 |
| Shape | Round with 9 indents | Round | Round | Round |
| Edge | Plain | Coarse | Milled | Plain |
| Colour | Yellow | Yellow | Silver | Silver |
50 sen
Sulur Kacang
The ‘sulur kacang’ (pea tendrils) motif featured on the new 50 sen coin is popular among traditional woodcarvers and silversmiths. The motif is drawn from the graceful twists and curls of long bean vines, and can be seen embellishing fine jewellery pieces and boxes, in addition to decorating doorways, window frames and wood paneling in traditional wooden homes. Fine lines in the motif background are part of the security features.
Security Feature
Latent Image of the denomination 50 sen can be seen when the coin is tilted slightly.
20 sen
Bunga Melur
The ‘bunga melur’ or jasmine flower is culturally significant among the three major races in Malaysia. Its aromatic scent makes it an important part of traditional ceremonies like weddings and prayers. It is also a popular motif in traditional arts and crafts like embroidery and silverwork. On the new 20 sen coin, the jasmine flower is featured with a ‘destar siga’ cloth motif in the background.
10 sen
Orang Asli Motif
The ‘orang asli’ (aboriginal tribes) of Malaysia are talented in weaving indigenous leaves and plants into decorative items such as headbands, sashes and skirts for traditional rituals and ceremonies. Each tribe have their own weave pattern that is often inspired by their belief system and surrounding environment. On the new 10 sen coin, this heritage is represented by the unique weave pattern of the Mah Meri tribe in Peninsular Malaysia.
5 sen
Destar Siga
The ‘destar siga’ cloth is an indigenous form of fabric weaving that originates from the Kadazan Dusun tribe in Sabah. Used as a headdress during traditional ceremonies, it is woven mainly from yarns of black thread and accented by multi-coloured threads into various geometric patterns and flora and fauna inspired motifs. On the new 5 sen coin, the ‘destar siga’ pattern is prominently featured, accompanied by the ‘sulur kacang’ as a background motif.
Source: Bank Negara Malaysia (http://www.bnm.gov.my)
Our previous article: New banknotes and coins in Malaysia by 2012
Kuala Lumpur, Dec 21 (thestar) — The Ringgit will be sporting a new and exciting look, with the RM20 note making a comeback.
The new banknotes, except for the RM50 note which has been in circulation since 2007, will be in the market beginning mid next year.
The fourth series of the RM50 note was issued in commemoration with Malaysia’s 50th Merdeka Day celebration.
The complete new Malaysian currency series – which also include the RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20 and RM100 banknotes – was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Wednesday.
On the observe side, all the banknote denomination in the new series retain the potrait of the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Tuanku Muhammad, the bunga raya and patterns of the traditional woven fabric – the songket.
The reverse side of each note features different elements of nature, tradition, culture, flora, fauna and the economy that are distinctively Malaysian.
— thestar online
PETALING JAYA: After a 16-year hiatus, the RM20 banknote will be re-introduced by Bank Negara.
It is part of a new design of Malaysian banknotes and coins which will be issued for circulation early next year in an exercise that is undertaken periodically every 12 years.
“The re-introduction of the RM20 banknote in the new currency series is primarily to function as an intermediary denomination to bridge the value gap between RM10 and RM50 for greater convenience in making payments,” Bank Negara told The Star in a statement yesterday.
With the new RM20 banknote, the central bank expects a reduction in overall demand for RM10 and RM50 banknotes.
The old RM20 banknote was introduced during the second series in 1982 and was discontinued in 1995.
It featured Malaysian traditional ornamental designs and the Bank Negara headquarters on its reverse side.
— thestar online
Got a new 20 sen coin today, it is almost similar size to the old 10 sen. :p
Now only know physically that the money has really become smaller.:(
Agreed! I got my 20 cents too, it looks like 10 cents, except for the colour.
Bank Negara wanted us to know money has become smaller! 🙂
Got friends here, cheers!
well i got it too but its too small for my kids to play “Tikam-Tikam”
Received small change from the hawker, thought he gave me 20 sen wrongly as I was expecting 50 sen. Took a close look then realised he was right.