Who would have thought that a 1 Malaysian Ringgit banknote could increase in value multiple times on the market?
Recently, many netizens were curious about a young individual who exchanged a 1 Ringgit banknote for 1000 Ringgit. Clearly, the banknote must have had something special to make a numismatic collector purchase it for such a high price.
According to a video shared online, a young person known as Abang John caused a stir on TikTok after selling the 1 Ringgit banknote and getting 1000 Ringgit in return, garnering over 3.4 million views.
The story of Ah Kai, a Chinese coin and banknote collector, was told with “mStar.” He stated that vintage banknotes are not only a component of his business, but also a long-held love of his.
“I enjoy collecting Malaysian and Malayan banknotes because I love this country and its history.”
“I’ve had this hobby since I was a child, but it only became a business in 2012.”
Ah Kai, 31, noted that the current 1 Ringgit banknote is not particularly noteworthy because banknotes signed by the former Central Bank Governor, Tan Sri Jaffar Hussein, are still relatively frequent.
“However, in this video, the value of this banknote is high because all of the serial numbers are the same, and they’re all eights, which I really like.” That’s why I paid such a high price for it.”
“I proposed a price, and the other party agreed and was overjoyed because other shops would only buy it for 300 to 700 Ringgit.” I did, however, give them 1000 Ringgit.”
Ah Kai went on to say that having the same serial number in multiple banknotes is uncommon and highly sought after by many banknote collectors, which is why they are referred to as “solid” serial numbers.
“I have a collection of many solid serial numbers, and I specifically collect serial numbers with 1, 3, 7, 8, and 9, with the number eight symbolising ‘prosperity’ and ‘auspiciousness’ in Chinese culture.”
Previously, Ah Kai received a WhatsApp snapshot of a 1 Ringgit bill with all eight identical digits. They agreed to meet in Kuala Lumpur.
“That day, I drove from Penang to Kuala Lumpur to meet that young person, and I also met a few customers.” “I then returned to Penang.”
Every transaction and purchase of his prized banknotes provides him happiness.
According to reports, Ah Kai has a collection of almost 500 Malaysian and Malayan banknotes, including those from Singapore and China.
“I also sell old banknotes, but only to fellow enthusiasts, and we sometimes trade with each other… if I have duplicates, I will get those I don’t have.”
“It gives me great satisfaction when I can get something I want at a reasonable price.”
