Summary

Proof 5 Cents, Issued by Malaya, Malaysia, 1939
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 1939

Edge Description

Milled

Significance

In the early 1930's the Federated Malay States sought a share in the profits accruing to Britain from the issue of paper money and coins for the Straits Settlements. This request saw a commission established which reported in 1934 that the states formed a single economic unit which employed the notes and coins of the Straits Settlements. The report recommended that a Commission for Currency for Malaya should be established to manage the production and issue of currency in the region on behalf of, and guaranteed by, the Malayan Governments. This recomendation was followed and coins, referring to the Commision on the reverse, were first produced and released in 1939. Initially all coins were produced by the Royal Mint, London although the outbreak of War saw production transferred to India in 1941.

The 5 cent was first issued in 1939. At that time, the Royal Mint produced small numbers of proof quality reference pieces, known as "Proof of Record" for retention in its own collection and distribution to authorised recipient reference collections (including the Melbourne Branch of the Royal Mint from which this example is derived).

More Information