Summary

1 Cent, Issued by Malaya, Malaysia, 1941 I
Minted by Calcutta Mint, India

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 1941; mint mark I below CENT

Edge Description

Plain

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. 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. Initially all coins were produced by the Royal Mint, London although the outbreak of War saw production transferred to India in 1941; this coin was struck at Calcutta.

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