Unveiling History & Culture Through Old Coins & Banknotes

The 5th Ipoh Coins Fair-cum-first International Numis Conference 2019, hosted at Ipoh Parade Mall recently drew a large crowd of avid collectors.

Coin collection is an acquired hobby. For most of us, money is a type of promissory note payable to the bearer on demand; but for those whose passion lies in the field of numismatics, to collect a coin or a piece of banknote is akin to owning a piece of history because each of them is exquisitely designed and is able to tell stories of the past.

5th Ipoh Coins Fair-cum-first International Numis Conference 2019 at Ipoh Parade: A large crowd came up close and personal with the avid collectors.

Organised by Raymond Chow Galleries in support of Perak Numismatic Association (PPNP) and Perak state tourism, the four-day event brought together hobbyists and dealers from all over the globe to exchange views and insights on their collections, concurrently exposing and educating the public on the numismatic traditions and history.

“The design of money is usually influenced by the government of the day and the available technology. It often reflects a nation’s culture or even its aspirations. Sometimes, it can also mark the change of a king, dynasty, government or empire. Hence, this Coins Fair-cum-Numis Conference provides an opportunity for locals to browse through different collectibles and learn more about the history behind each artefact,” said Yew Sook Kim, manager of Raymond Chow Galleries.

Collectibles with different designs that were influenced by the government of the day and the available technology. They may also reflect a nation's culture or even its aspirations. — Collectibles with different designs that were influenced by the government of the day and the available technology. They may also reflect a nation’s culture or even its aspirations.

Foreign exhibitors at the event included China Gold Coin Incorporation, Hong Kong Hua Yun Culture Collection Appraisal Co. Ltd, Beijing KimCheon Pavillion Commemorative, China PCCB, and Singapore Alwrich Wee SC. Each trader brought in banknotes from different countries and eras to exhibit and for sale. Free evaluation and consultation services on collectibles were also available.

Trader Keng Chee, 26, who bought several banknotes, said the banknotes were not merely collectibles, each banknote has a history attached to it and it helped to deepen his understanding about a country’s culture and history.

Zuhairi, 27, from Bidor, Perak said he was glad to have dropped by the event as it was an eye-opener for him. “I am amazed by the uniqueness and rich histories behind these collectibles. I will never look at banknotes and coins the same way again. They are clearly more than what meets the eye,” said Zuhairi.

Meanwhile, Yew, who is also the Secretary of PPNP, expressed her gratitude to the mall for hosting the event. She said the younger generation should take up the hobby as it enhances one’s knowledge on history and politics as well as develop a sense of appreciation for arts and culture.

“These coins and banknotes are treasures worth investing because they connect us to the past and reflects the present,” added Yew.

Ipoh Parade Advertising and Promotion department Assistant Manager Lim Huey Tyng said she was glad that the event had received great response from the public and that the mall would gladly support and host the event again in the future. “I believe our shoppers have benefitted a lot from this event and on our end, we will also continue to organise more educational activities for our shoppers,” added Lim.

Event: 5th Ipoh Coins Fair-cum-first International Numis Conference 2019
Venue: Ipoh Parade, Ipoh
Date: 3rd – 6th Oct, 2019
Time: 10am – 10pm

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