We've tried to ensure the information displayed here is as accurate as possible. Should there be any inaccuracies, we would be grateful if you could let us know at info@ipohworld.org . All images and content are copyright.
(Please click on the thumbnail for a bigger image.)
Perak Tin Ingot Currency, The Cone
The pictures shows three tin ingots said to be in the shape of a cone. These unmarked tin ingots came in a variety of sizes and were used as money in the Sultanate of Perak during the 16th and 17th and into the 18th centuries. Tin was widely used in trade in the region during this period. These pieces served as small change and were traded by weight. Eventually these were replaced with "western style" flat coins once Dutch and then British East India coins became available. They have a typical patina common on old tin objects. The value of these would have been a fraction of one tin cent as all values were based on the amount of tin by weight which could be exchanged for one Spanish Silver dollar.
In Perak and to some extent Selangor, solid cast ingots came in various shapes: cones, caps, tampangs and cylinders, the latter generally with a ring or loop at one end.
Taking all the above into account and the fact that these items were interchangeable across all the Malay states and Sumatra (for tin always had a defined value by weight) we would date these particular ingots as around 1650.
To read about the history of Perak Tin Animal Money, click here.
To see an early Perak Tampang and Tampang history, click here.
To read about the history of Perak Tin Ingot Money, click here.
To read about the book "Tin Hat and Animal Money", click here.