Summary
Specimen 5 Cents, Issued by Malaya, Malaysia, 1943
Minted by Royal Mint, London
Obverse Description
Crowned head of the King facing left; around, GEORGE VI KING AND EMPEROR OF INDIA; artist's initials, PM, below neck
Reverse Description
At centre within a bead circle, 5 / CENTS; around, COMMISSIONERS OF CURRENCY MALAYA 1943
Edge Description
Milled
Significance
The British Government established the Malay Planning Unit in London in 1943 to prepare for the return to Civil Government to 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 silver 5 cent was struck with a 50% silver content (75% before the War). 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, a specimen striking.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from Melbourne Branch of Royal Mint, 11 Jan 1978
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Date Issued
1943 AD
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Issued By
Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya, Malaysia, Malaya, 1943
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Artist
Percy Metcalfe CVO - Royal Mint, London, Great Britain, 1937
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Mint
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Denomination
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Series
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Material
Silver
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Axis
12
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Dimensions
15 mm (Outside Diameter), 1.331 g (Weight)
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Shape
Round
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References
KM#3a Pridmore 283 Pridmore, Fred. 1955. Coins and Coinages of the Straits Settlements and British Malaya 1786 to 1951, p.58-59
[Book] Bruce, Colin R. 2009. 2009 Standard Catalogue of World Coins 1901 - 2000.
[Book] Pridmore, Fred. 1955. Coins and Coinages of the Straits Settlements and British Malaya 1786 to 1951.
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Keywords
British Empire Coins, World War II, 1939-1945, British Commonwealth and Empire Coins