Summary

5 Cents, Issued by British North Borneo, Malaysia, 1921 H
Minted by Heaton & Son, Birmingham, England

Obverse Description

Shield of arms of the British North Borneo Company; on shield, a lion above a dhow; native warrior supporters one holding a shield the other as large machete; the crest, two arms holding a flag staff; below on ribbon the motto PERGO ET PERAGO (translation: I undertake and I achieve); below, the mint mark, H

Reverse Description

Within a circle of beads, 5 / CENTS; around, STATE OF NORTH BORNEO . 1921 .

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

The British North Borneo Company had the right to produce coin under its Royal Charter, granted in 1881. It had 1 cent coins struck in England from 1882 and 1/2 cent pieces from 1885. These coins were linked to the silver dollar as used in the Straits Settlement and Hong Kong. In 1903-1904 it moved from the use of bronze to copper-nickel, issuing 1 cent, and the new 2 1/2 cents and 5 cent coin in that metal. This coin was part of the third issue of 5 cents pieces by the Company, the others being in 1903 and 1920. 500,000 of the 5 cents coins were struck in 1921, this one showing significant signs of wear from circulation, the 5 cents piece was produced more often than the other denominations, indicating a greater demand.

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