When an elderly man asked John Goh Cheong Huat (pic) for permission to display his coin collection at his coffee shop, the latter had no idea that he would soon be joining the ranks of those who collect old coins and banknotes.
A passion for collecting old currency, stamps
Who knew that John Goh Cheong Huat would find himself embracing the trend of collecting antique coins and banknotes when an elderly man asked for permission to display his coin collections at the former’s coffee shop.
The 72-year-old Sarawak Philatelic and Numismatic Society (SPNS) president told New Sarawak Tribune that the incident happened in 1988.
“He brought in a large travel bag full of gold and silver coins and offered me a commission if I could sell them.
“So, when I was free at night, I tried to organise and display some (of the old coins) in the cabinet, and surprisingly, all were sold out within two days because when patrons go to the restroom, they would pass by the display cabinet and stop to look at the exhibits,” he said.
However, Goh said that he became a full-time old coin and bank note collector in 1992 as the only dealer for Bank Negara in Sarawak.
He recalled that when he was 17, he began collecting banknotes and coins as a hobby.
“I was in Hong Kong in 1967, more than 50 years ago. So, during that time, the new money issuance, such as the Lunar Chinese New Year coin stamps, all those designs were very beautiful and piqued my interest,” he said.
Goh said that after more than 55 years of collecting stamps, phone cards, and banknotes, the most frequently asked question he received was how much money he makes from it.
He stressed that if the sole reason for someone to collect things is to make money, they are mistaken, and they may end up not making any money.
“You cannot sell your land or your houses in order to purchase some antics; that is not the way. Money comes from the ones you don’t use (savings).
“If you’re thinking about how much money you can make from this coin, you’re already wrong; you might not be able to make any money at all.
“So, when they asked if I could make money, I said that is not the point, because I have kept them (collection) for many years as a hobby.
“There were so many in the same design at the time (20 years ago) that if I tried to sell it, no one would buy it. Now I can sell between RM5,000 and RM6,000 in a single order. So, I’m quite happy as well.”
Goh said that collecting items is a very good hobby for diverting people’s — especially young people — attention away from negative activities, but it takes a lot of effort.
“If you like something, you should learn about its history. You must know how to keep it once you have purchased it. Some people keep items (banknotes) in their wallet, but then they are ‘finished’,” he said.
Goh also mentioned how important family support is for a hobby, especially when organising or participating in an exhibition.
“Initially, my wife was not supportive; in fact, she was unaware; however, now that she is aware, I am beginning to sell everything.
“When I visited Singapore the last time, I ran into a couple I have met when he and his wife visited Sibu and purchased some collections from my shop.
“His wife fully supports him. He is over 30 years old and quite young. He went to participate in the exhibition. That is not an easy task, I must say. You need to carry the bag, which is quite heavy.
“Every morning for three days, he had to carry it from the hotel to the exhibition hall and sit there until evening. So, the support is very important,” he said.
When asked if his son would take over his shop and share his passion, Goh laughed and said that his son has no interest in it and that he should sell all of his collections.
“My son said, ‘Dad, you need to sell everything you have; you’re not young anymore. Enjoy your life’,” he added.
