Back in November 2014, I received a call from Dato' Sha, who is the founder "Kelab Warisan Numismatik Malaysia" (loosely translated : Malaysian Numismatic Heritage Club). After a polite introduction, he inquired about my background and my qualifications in numismatics. I briefed him about my numismatic interests and having just completed the Diploma in Numismatics with the American Numismatic Association (ANA) in July. To which he said that he is in the process of putting together a course in numismatics with University Malaysia Pahang (UMP) [Update 10 Dec 2015 : Please note that the certificate is issued by Koperasi Universiti Malaysia Pahang] and he is looking for a professionally trained numismatist to be one of the lecturers as well as develop the course content from scratch and I seem to fit the bill.
As for myself, I have always enjoyed sharing my knowledge and help people whenever I can. I have volunteered as a coach for MBA students, conducted systems engineering classes, spoke at industry conferences and also served on an Industry Advisory Panel for a local university for the past 3 years.
So there is no need to guess what my answer was going to be.
ProCINS Course
The Professional Certificate in Numismatic Study, ProCINS in short, comprises of 6 modules, conducted predominantly in Bahasa Malaysia. Each module has 4 hours of lecture, totaling 24 contact hours. The total fees for this course was initially set at RM3,500 if I recall correctly but was later reduced to RM1,900 only. The first module started in April 2015 at UiTM campus in Shah Alam, there were about 27 students for the first batch. Not bad at all!
Course content wise - the 6 modules include introduction to numismatics, coin minting process, local numismatic history and grading. The lecturers include Tuan Hj Azmi, Dato' Sha, Dickson Niew, Dr. Ibrahim and myself. One of the highlights of the course is the visit to a local private mint in Kuala Kangsar to witness the coin minting process. There were several attempts to get Bank Negara's permission to visits its Shah Alam mint but in the end it didn't work out.
NOTE : Those interested to know more can contact or Whatsapp me at +60 12 318 3042 or Dr. Azizan of UMP (details below)
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| Fig 1. ProCINS Course brochure with contact details |
Kuala Kangsar
Now fast forward to 2 October 2015 - a date that everyone was looking forward to! A field trip followed by 4 hours of lecture at a nice hotel ! The day began with a drive from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Kangsar, check into hotel at around noon, followed by the factory visit from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. The first part of the lecture will be from 8:30pm to 10:30pm. This is probably the most challenging session - everyone was feeling tired from the days' travelling.
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| Fig 2. A stop at the Tapah R&R is a must! |
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| Fig 3. My customary coffee and donuts breakfast. I must have been a police officer in my previous life! |
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| Fig 4 : Arriving at Kuala Kangsar town, very hazy day. |
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| Fig 5 : The Sayong Resort - which is right next to the Perak River |
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| Fig 6 : Nice view of the Perak river |
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| Fig 7. Our visit to Mariwasa factory - they used to do coins, now they are mostly on medals and medallions, |
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| Figure 8 : Medals, used by Malaysian royalty and government |
Numismatic Grading Module
My module is the very last one, mainly because you will need to have a clear understanding of how coin and banknotes are made BEFORE you start grading. The topics I covered in the 4 hour lecture include :1.0 History of Grading
2.0 What is Grading?
3.0 Grading Scales
4.0 Tools & Techniques
5.0 Grading Coins
6.0 Grading Banknotes
This is meant to only skim thru the surface of this very vast and complex, often controversial topic. Of all the modules, this is the most challenging one to lecture on because you need apply all the knowledge learned before. And of course, there is also a TEST at the end of the class, just to make sure that everyone pays attention.
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| Fig, 9 : The first session was from 8:30pm to 10:30pm |
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| Fig. 10 The classroom setup, seats about 40 persons |
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| Fig 11. Some light moments with Dr. Ibrahim & the class |
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| Fig 12. Looking forward to start the class |
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| Fig 13. Plenty of lively interaction / questions from the class members while some tired folks struggle to concentrate. |
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| Fig 14. The next morning session, 2 hours from 9:30am to 11:30am |
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| Fig. 18. Class is finally over and Tuan Hj Azmi and Dr. Azizan addressing the class on the convocation |
Having done this round of class, alphaNumis will be developing and conducting short seminars in the coming months covering interesting topics such as :
- Numismatics : Making the most of the hobby & investment
- Banknotes and coins - where do they come from?
- Understanding numismatic grading
- Coins - how to tell if they are fakes
If you are keen to participate and learn more, or even suggestions on the topics we can do, please email us at help@alphanumis.com
In the meantime - Happy Collecting !
A note of SPECIAL THANKS to Ms. Ida from Bank Negara Malaysia who has graciously helped me in taking these very nice photos you see here.
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