The .600 fine silver composition used here replaced the earlier .800 standard following a colonial treasury review aimed at reducing bullion costs across the Straits issues. The change took effect in 1903, making KM#20a the alloy-reduced successor to KM#20 — a distinction that trips up collectors who lump the two together. Edward VII died in May 1910, meaning this final-year issue was struck during the last months of his reign and saw no continuity under George V at this denomination until new dies were prepared.
The .600 fine silver composition used here replaced the earlier .800 standard following a colonial treasury review aimed at reducing bullion costs across the Straits issues. The change took effect in 1903, making KM#20a the alloy-reduced successor to KM#20 — a distinction that trips up collectors who lump the two together. Edward VII died in May 1910, meaning this final-year issue was struck during the last months of his reign and saw no continuity under George V at this denomination until new dies were prepared.