Summary

Specimen 1 Cent, Issued by Malaya, Malaysia, 1943
Minted by Royal Mint, London

Obverse Description

Crowned head of the King facing left; around, GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR; artist's initials, PM, below neck

Reverse Description

At centre within a bead circle, 1 / CENT; around, COMMISSIONERS OF CURRENCY MALAYA 1943

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

The British Government established the Malay Planning Unit in London in 1943 to prepare for the return to Civil Government in the area after the Japanese invasion force was removed. One of the steps it took was to have the Royal Mint strike coins, ready for placement in circulation soon after the return (the Japanese issued no coinage, relying on paper money). The coins were stock-piled in London until Malaya was placed under British Military Administration in August 1945 when they were soon put into circulation.

The 1943 bronze 1 cent was struck with a wartime alloy - 97% copper, 2 1/2% zinc and 1/2% tin (pre-war 95 1/2% copper, 3% tin, 1 1/2% zinc) owing to the war needs for tin. Also on account of the war, Proof of Record strikes were largely discontinued; this piece was reserved as a reference piece and sent to the Melbourne Branch of the Royal Mint from where it was passed to the National Gallery of Victoria, perhaps a specimen striking.

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