Catalog
| Issuer | Malaysia |
|---|---|
| Year | 1967-1988 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 20 Sen |
| Currency | Ringgit (1967-date) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel) |
| Weight | 5.65 g |
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Thickness | 1.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Geoffrey Colley |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#4, Schön#51 |
| Obverse description | The denomination in numerals in the center with the date below and the country name above |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | MALAYSIA 20 SEN · 1988 |
| Reverse description | Parliament House |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | GC |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint |
Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London,United Kingdom (1810-1975) Shah Alam, Malaysia(1967-date) FM Franklin Mint (The Franklin Mint), Wawa, Pennsylvania, United States (1964-date) |
| Mintage |
1967 - Royal Mint, U.K.; Minted in 1967-1968 - 49 560 000 1967 - Royal Mint, U.K.; Proof - 500 1968 - Royal Mint, U.K.; Minted in 1968-1969 - 40 440 000 1969 - Royal Mint, U.K.; Minted in 1969-1970 - 15 000 000 1970 - - 1 054 000 1971 - - 9 958 419 1973 - - 116 075 286 1976 - - 47 396 373 1977 - - 66 139 363 1978 - - 6 847 062 1979 - - 17 345 888 1980 - - 32 837 339 1980 FM - Proof - 6 628 1981 - - 144 127 993 1981 FM - Proof - 1982 - - 97 905 000 1983 - - 8 105 000 1987 - - 26 225 000 1988 - - 67 218 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 1994543130 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The Malaysian 20 Sen coin, issued from 1967 to 1988, marks the inception of independent Malaysia's national currency system. This first series, replacing the Malayan and British Borneo Dollar, commenced in 1967, symbolizing the newly formed nation's economic sovereignty. Issued during a critical period of post-1963 nation-building, under the constitutional monarchy of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the coin solidified Malaysia's distinct identity and economic autonomy.
Artistry: The coin's design adheres to a modern, nationalistic stylistic school, likely developed by the Royal Mint. The obverse proudly displays the Jata Negara, the Malaysian Coat of Arms, featuring two rampant tigers, a shield with state symbols, a crescent and star, and the motto "Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu" (Unity is Strength). The reverse presents the denomination "20 SEN", the year of mintage, and the Bunga Raya (hibiscus), Malaysia's national flower, alongside "MALAYSIA".
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel, this 20 Sen generally boasts a strong strike. High-points for wear on the obverse include the tigers' heads and the fine details within the shield's escutcheons. On the reverse, the central pistil of the hibiscus flower and the raised numeral edges show wear first. Mint state examples exhibit an even, satiny luster, with minor bag marks often present due to its circulation role.