Chen's Collection (Private)

As early as the 16th century, foreign traders recorded that tin intended for commerce was cast into tin ingots of fixed weight and used for all major transactions in the bazaar (market place) as a form of currency. The value of each ingot depended upon it's weight, and thus the shape and size of each ingot was of little consequence. Most of the tin ingots were cast in Perak but a small quantity were also cast in the neighbouring States of Selangor and Pahang. These tin ingots circulated extensively in Perak, Selangor, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan over a very long period. They were also acceptable in the neighbouring Malay states in the Malay Peninsula as well as in Sumatra. These currency blocks of tin ingots were used for internal and international trade.

The currency denomination of these ingots was based upon the amount of tin that could be exchanged for one Spanish silver dollar (8 Reales). This value varied from time to time and from place to place. The average weight and rate of exchange was 10 Katis (6 Kilos 50 grammers) to the silver dollar (8 Reales) in Perak. In Selangor the rate of exchange was 8 Katis (4 Kilos 840 grammes) to the silver dollar (8 Reales). There were also smaller and lighter tin ingots which were used for minor purchases.

The Tampangs were gradually withdrawn and replaced with the coinage of the Straits Settlements in proportionte values until finally demonetized in 1893.

Tampang Mould

The early ingots were made using sand or clay moulds. At a later stage, the solid tin ingot known as sugar loaf was made using a brass mould with a "mangosteen rossette" design at the top. The tampang was casted by pouring the molten tin into the brass mould. The mould had a handle for the person to hold in casting the tampang.

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On Dec-26-05 at 03:03:36 PST, seller added the following information: