CVC & Collectables presents this 1658-1808 Indonesia Pitis Palembang coin, minted between 1658 and 1808 in the Sultanate of Palembang (modern-day Indonesia), is a rare and historically significant piece of Southeast Asian numismatics. Graded NGC Genuine, this coin reflects the economic, political, and maritime history of the Palembang Sultanate, a key player in regional trade during the Dutch colonial era.
Coin Highlights:
- Issuer: Sultanate of Palembang (Indonesia)
- Date Range: 1658-1808
- Denomination: Pitis
- Composition: Typically tin, lead, or copper (depending on the issue)
- Edge: Irregular (as common for cast or hammered coinage)
- Grade: NGC Genuine — Authenticated with expected surface conditions for its age.
Obverse:
- Design: Features Jawi (Malay-Arabic) inscriptions, often referring to the ruling sultan or Islamic blessings.
- Inscription: May include “Sultan Palembang” or religious phrases like “There is no god but Allah” (depending on the issue).
Reverse:
- Design: Simple Arabic script or geometric symbols, with some variations featuring decorative borders or stylized calligraphy.
Historical Significance:
These Pitis coins were typically cast rather than struck, making them distinct from European-style coinage of the era. The Dutch VOC (Dutch East India Company) exerted increasing influence over Palembang, leading to conflicts and the eventual decline of the local currency system by the early 19th century Pitis coins circulated widely in Sumatra, Java, and the Malay Peninsula, making them an essential part of pre-colonial Southeast Asian trade networks.
Collectibility:
The 1658-1808 Indonesia Pitis from Palembang is an excellent collectible. While small and simple in appearance, these coins represent centuries of regional commerce and political struggle in Indonesia’s rich history. NGC authentication confirms its historical integrity, making it a valuable artifact of early Indonesian monetary systems. A fascinating piece of Southeast Asian history, linking Islamic sultanates, the spice trade, and European colonial expansion! Find more alike here!
