🔎 About the 1941 Straits Settlements 1 Cent Coin

Before Malaysia gained independence, the Straits Settlements — a British colonial entity that included modern Singapore, Penang, Malacca, and Labuan — issued its own distinctive coinage. The 1 cent coin from 1941 was the last in the series, as war and Japanese occupation soon halted British minting in the region.

Specifications:

• Material: Bronze

• Weight: 5.4 grams

• Diameter: 21.3 mm

• Shape: Round with a square hole (unique for the series)

• Obverse: "George VI King and Emperor of India" inscription

• Reverse: Denomination and date, "Straits Settlements" legend

• Mint: Calcutta or Bombay (due to wartime conditions)

🕰 Historical Context

The coin’s date, 1941, is chillingly symbolic — it was minted just before the Japanese invasion of Malaya and Singapore, which began in December of that year. These events marked one of the most dramatic power shifts in colonial Asia.

With the British quickly overrun, this coin effectively became obsolete within months of its issue. As such, every surviving example is a testament to a rapidly disappearing world.

💡 Collecting Insights

• Final-Year Issue: 1941 was the last year this coin was struck, making it a poignant bookend to the colonial era.

• Unusual Design: The square central hole and bilingual legends make it a standout piece visually.

• Wartime Survivor: Coins from this year often show signs of wear or rapid circulation due to the instability of the region.

This humble 1 cent coin carries the weight of an empire on the edge of collapse. From colonial markets to your collection, it speaks softly but powerfully of shifting borders, human resilience, and global transformation.