Catalog
| Issuer | Malaya |
|---|---|
| Year | 1939-1941 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Cent (0.01) |
| Currency | Dollar (1939-1953) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 5.83 g |
| Diameter | |
| Thickness | 1.7 mm |
| Shape | Square with rounded corners |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Percy Metcalfe |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#2, Schön#35 |
| Obverse description | Crowned bust facing left |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR PM |
| Reverse description | Value within beaded circle |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | COMMISSIONERS OF CURRENCY MALAYA 1 CENT 1939 |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint |
Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London,United Kingdom (1810-1975) I Mumbai / Bombay, India(1829-date) |
| Mintage |
1939 - - 20 000 000 1939 - Proof - 1940 - - 23 600 000 1940 - Proof - 1941 I - - 33 620 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 4009888610 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1 Cent coin of Malaya, issued between 1939 and 1941, falls within the reign of King George VI, who ascended the throne in 1936. This period was pivotal, marking the immediate lead-up to and early stages of World War II. Malaya, a crucial British colony renowned for its tin and rubber, relied on a stable currency. These large-type bronze cents served as essential transactional units, reflecting British imperial economic control and normalcy before the Japanese invasion of late 1941.
Artistry: The obverse features the dignified bare head effigy of King George VI, sculpted by Thomas Humphrey Paget. Paget's design is characterized by its understated realism and classical proportions, a hallmark of British medallic art. The reverse presents a clear, functional design, typical of colonial coinage. It prominently displays the denomination "1 CENT" centrally, with "MALAYA" above and the date below, within a simple border. This design prioritizes legibility and practical utility for everyday commerce within the British Empire.
Technical/Grading: Key high-points to assess wear on the obverse include the highest strands of the King's hair, particularly above the ear and forehead, and the ear's definition. On the reverse, sharpness of the lettering for "MALAYA" and "1 CENT," and border details, are critical indicators. Bronze compositions of this era can exhibit varying strike qualities; a premium example will display full separation of hair details and crisp, well-defined lettering, with minimal planchet flaws or degradation.