SIBU: Visitors to the World Fuzhou Heritage Gallery here can now view the limited edition book entitled “Hero of China” which was donated by Numismatic Society (Asia) president Wong Hon Sum.
The book contains priceless collections of old coins from several dynasties in China such
as the Qin Dynasty, Song Dynasty, Shui Dynasty and Tang Dynasty.
Wong, 80, presented the book to gallery manager Raymond Tiong.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, Wong, an avid collector of old coins and bank notes, said 100 units of the book were printed in 2010 by collectors in China.
“They spent up to seven years looking for the old coins throughout China. Of the 100 units, 80 had been distributed to museums throughout China while the rest were sold to countries around,” he said.
Two books were sold to Singapore, one of which he bought.
“That time I bought it for 3,780 yuan but it is now a priceless item due to its value,” he said, adding that he did not mind donating it to the gallery so that the public could view it.
Host and Sarawak Philatelic and Numismatic Society president John Goh commended Wong for donating his prized collection.
“I have known him for many years now. He is a very generous person. In 2010, he also donated a set of old coins to the gallery,” he added.
