50 Sen

Historical Context: The 1962 Irian Jaya 50 Sen coin was issued during a pivotal and brief period of international administration. Following a protracted dispute between the Netherlands and Indonesia over Western New Guinea, the territory was placed under the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA) from October 1962 to May 1963. These coins, alongside other denominations, were struck to replace the Dutch New Guinea guilder and facilitate the economic transition prior to the region's full integration into Indonesia. They represent a unique numismatic artifact of decolonization and the UN's role in facilitating self-determination, marking a critical juncture in the region's political identity.

Artistry: The design of the 1962 Irian Jaya 50 Sen coin reflects a functional yet regionally symbolic aesthetic. While no specific engraver is widely attributed, the stylistic school is characteristic of modern post-colonial coinage, prioritizing clear communication and national emblem representation. The obverse features the denomination "50 SEN" prominently above the year "1962", executed in a clean, sans-serif typeface. The reverse proudly displays a stylized Bird of Paradise (Cendrawasih), an iconic native avian species of New Guinea, symbolizing the region's rich biodiversity and unique identity. The artistic rendering is simplified for coinage, focusing on the bird's distinctive silhouette and plumage.

Technical/Grading: Struck in lightweight aluminium, the 1962 Irian Jaya 50 Sen (KM#9) measures 28.9 mm and weighs 3.1 grams. For grading purposes, key high-points on the reverse Bird of Paradise design include the bird's head, crest, and the upper portions of its wings and tail feathers. On the obverse, the raised numerals and lettering are crucial for assessing strike quality. Due to the soft nature of aluminium, these coins are particularly susceptible to bag marks, scratches, and rim damage, even in uncirculated grades. A strong strike will exhibit full detail in the bird's plumage and sharp separation of the obverse elements, though slight weakness in the highest relief areas is not uncommon.