Catalog
| Issuer | Malaysia |
|---|---|
| Year | 1967-1988 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 5 Sen |
| Currency | Ringgit (1967-date) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel) |
| Weight | 1.41 g |
| Diameter | 16.2 mm |
| Thickness | 1.05 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Geoffrey Colley |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#2, Schön#49 |
| Obverse description | On the back, the denomination value is written in the middle and flanked by the hibiscus, Malaysia`s national flower. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | MALAYSIA 5 SEN · 1981 |
| Reverse description | The front of this series shows the Parliament building in Kuala Lumpur, as a symbol of Malaysian democracy. The symbol of the crescent moon and 13-pointed star is taken from the Malaysian flag, symbolizing Malaysia as an Islamic country and the 13 states in Malaysia. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | GC |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint |
Hamburgische Münze, Germany(801-date) 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 - 75 464 000 1967 - Royal Mint, U.K.; Proof - 500 1968 - Royal Mint, U.K.; Minted in 1968-1969 - 74 536 000 1971 - - 16 657 712 1973 - - 102 942 305 1976 - - 65 658 870 1977 - - 10 609 162 1978 - - 50 044 123 1979 - - 38 823 711 1980 - - 33 893 481 1980 FM - Proof - 6 628 1981 - - 51 490 263 1981 FM - Proof - 1982 - - 118 593 833 1985 - - 15 553 101 1987 - - 17 723 327 1988 - - 26 788 183 |
| Numisquare ID | 2293227660 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1967-1988 Malaysian 5 Sen coin marks a significant post-independence era. Issued under Malaysia's authority, this first series coinage established a fully independent national currency, replacing the Malaya and British Borneo Dollar. Launched after Malaysia's formation in 1963, this coin powerfully asserted national sovereignty and identity, with the Parliament building symbolizing democratic governance and unity.
Artistry: The design of this 5 Sen coin, part of Malaysia's inaugural national coinage, reflects a modernist and nationalistic stylistic school, emphasizing indigenous symbols. While specific engravers are often uncredited, the aesthetic was a collaborative national effort. The obverse depicts the iconic Parliament House in Kuala Lumpur, a key symbol of Malaysian democracy. The reverse features the Bunga Raya, or hibiscus, Malaysia's national flower, gracefully framing "5 SEN," signifying national pride and heritage.
Technical/Grading: Struck in durable copper-nickel (1.41 grams, 16.2 mm), this coin generally exhibits good strike quality. For grading, key high-points for wear include the dome and intricate architectural details of the Parliament building on the obverse. On the reverse, the central stamen and delicate veins of the hibiscus petals are critical. Full detail in these regions indicates higher grades, with mint state examples showing sharp, crisp lines.