Summary

Proof 1/2 Cent, Issued by Malaya, Malaysia, 1940
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, 1/2 / CENT; around, COMMISSIONERS OF CURRENCY MALAYA 1940

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 in 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 various Malayan Governments. Initially all coins were produced by the Royal Mint, London although the outbreak of War saw production transferred to India in 1941.

The 1/2 cent was the last coin denomination produced to complete the series (the others had all been struck 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).

The 1/2 cent working strikes were received in Malaya in April 1940 and were placed into circulation in under the Currency Ordinance, 1938, authorised in Singapore, 3 April 1940 and published in the Straits Settlements Government Gazette o 21 June 1940.

More Information