Catalogue
| Émetteur | Malaya and British Borneo |
|---|---|
| Année | 1953-1961 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | 5 Cents (0.05) |
| Devise | Dollar (1953-1967) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel |
| Poids | 1.41 g |
| Diamètre | 16.2 mm |
| Épaisseur | 0.96 mm |
| Forme | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Graveur(s) | Cecil Thomas |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | KM#1, Schön#43 |
| Description de l’avers | Crowned bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers | QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND |
| Description du revers | The value within the beaded circle and the date below and the mintmark below the `N` in `CENTS` |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers | MALAYA AND BRITISH BORNEO 5 CENTS 1961 |
| Tranche | Reeded |
| Atelier |
Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London,United Kingdom (1810-1975) H Heaton and Sons / The Mint Birmingham (Heaton and Sons / The Mint Birmingham Limited),United Kingdom (1850-2003) KN Kings Norton Metal Company,Birmingham, United Kingdom (1890-1962) |
| Tirage |
1953 - - 20 000 000 1953 - Proof - 1957 - - 10 000 000 1957 H - - 10 000 000 1957 H - Proof - 1957 KN - Mintage included with 1957 H - 1958 - - 10 000 000 1958 - Proof - 1958 H - - 10 000 000 1961 - - 90 000 000 1961 - Proof - 1961 H - - 5 000 000 1961 KN - Mintage included with 1961 H - |
| ID Numisquare | 1113276590 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: This 5 Cents coin from Malaya and British Borneo, issued 1953-1961, marks the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The Malaya and British Borneo Currency Board, established 1953, unified currency for Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, North Borneo, Brunei, and Christmas Island. This issue symbolizes critical colonial administration and economic integration, preceding the region's independence movements, notably Malaya’s independence in 1957 and Malaysia's formation in 1963.
Artistry: The obverse features the renowned first portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Mary Gillick. This youthful, uncrowned effigy, facing right, is characteristic of early Elizabeth II coinage across the Commonwealth. Gillick’s work is celebrated for its naturalistic and approachable depiction. The reverse design is utilitarian, clearly displaying “5 CENTS” and “MALAYA AND BRITISH BORNEO” with the date, framed by a simple beaded border. The aesthetic adheres to British medallic tradition of clear legibility.
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel, this coin measures 16.2 mm and weighs 1.41 grams. Key areas for assessing strike quality and wear on the obverse include the intricate details of Queen Elizabeth II’s hair above her ear and the highest points of her cheek. On the reverse, sharpness in the lettering and the crispness of the beaded border are crucial. Well-struck examples exhibit full separation of hair strands and clear, distinct legends. Minor weakness in central hair details is common, but a strong strike shows definition.