1 Sen - Hassanal Bolkiah 1st portrait, w/o numeral 'I' in title
| Issuer | Brunei |
|---|---|
| Year | 1977-1986 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Sen |
| Currency | Ringgit / Dollar (1967-date) |
| Composition | Bronze (97% Copper, 2.5% Zinc, 0.5% Tin) |
| Weight | 1.94 g |
| Diameter | 17.78 mm |
| Thickness | 0.91 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Christopher Ironside |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#15, Schön#18 |
| Obverse description | Right facing bust of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Legend without numeral `I` in title |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | SULTAN HASSANAL BOLKIAH · |
| Reverse description | Ornamental pattern |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | · KERAJAAN BRUNEI · 1978 · 1 SEN |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint |
Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom (1968-date) Singapore Mint, Singapore |
| Mintage |
1977 - Royal Mint - 280 000 1978 - Royal Mint - 269 000 1979 - Royal Mint - 250 000 1979 - Royal Mint; Proof - 10 000 1980 - Singapore Mint - 260 000 1981 - Singapore Mint - 540 000 1982 - Singapore Mint - 100 000 1983 - Singapore Mint - 500 000 1984 - Singapore Mint - 400 000 1984 - Singapore Mint; Proof - 3 000 1985 - Singapore Mint - 200 000 1985 - Singapore Mint; Proof - 1986 - Singapore Mint - 101 000 1986 - Singapore Mint; Proof - 7 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 1575960220 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: This 1 Sen coin, issued by Brunei from 1977 to 1986, features the initial portrait of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. This era is pivotal, encompassing Brunei's transition from a British protectorate to full independence in 1984. The coin's design, notably omitting the numeral 'I' in the Sultan's title, differentiates it from subsequent issues and symbolizes Brunei's evolving national identity and monetary autonomy during a period of significant political transformation.
Artistry: The obverse displays a dignified, left-facing effigy of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, executed in a modern, realistic style typical of Commonwealth coinage. Although the engraver is uncredited, the portrait exhibits clear lines and a strong profile. The reverse showcases the intricate national emblem of Brunei Darussalam, featuring a winged pillar, ceremonial umbrella, hands, and the crescent and star, flanked by the "1 SEN" denomination in Roman and Arabic scripts, and the date.
Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze (97% Copper), this 17.78 mm, 1.94 gram coin requires careful assessment of high-points for wear. On the obverse, these include the Sultan's hair, ear, and cheekbone. On the reverse, critical areas are the fine details of the national emblem, specifically the wings, umbrella apex, and crescent tips. Strong strikes will exhibit full detail in these areas, whereas typical bronze strikes may show some weakness, particularly in the emblem's intricate elements.