Antique Southeast Asian Very Big Tin-Lead 'Boat / Clamp Money' Proto-Currency – 138mm, 191g Southeast Asia (Malay Peninsula / Indonesia) 16th – 18th Century Lot:  3841

Antique Southeast Asian Very Big Tin-Lead 'Boat / Clamp Money' Proto-Currency – 138mm, 191g Southeast Asia (Malay Peninsula / Indonesia) 16th – 18th Century
Lot:  3841
An interesting and enormous piece of Southeast Asian pre-monetary currency (proto-currency), traditionally referred to as 'Tin Boat Money' (tampang / ingot money). Dating back to the 16th to 18th century, these substantial metal pieces were cast and used as a major trade currency across the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian Archipelago (including Sumatra and Java) during the height of the regional tin trade bloom.
This specific piece is exceptionally well-preserved and characterized by its distinctive boat-like, elongated hull shape. It features three prominent raised pierced lugs/loops along the upper ridge. Historically, these functional lugs allowed multiple ingots or currency boats to be strung together into bundles for easy transport and large-scale commercial transactions.
Crafted from a heavy, solid cast tin-lead alloy, the object displays an authentic, dark greyish-brown aged patina with natural surface weathering and minor oxidation consistent with its archaeological origin and significant age.
A fascinating artifact of early maritime trade and numismatic history in Southeast Asia.

Dimensions: 138 x 32 x 16 mm and Weight: 191.0 grams

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