Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society/Volume 85/Remarks upon Certain Currency Notes, Coins and Tokens Emanating from Malaya During and After the war
Remarks upon Certain Currency Notes, Coins and Tokens Emanating from Malaya During and After the War.
Bu Sir John A. S. Bucknill, M.A.
The rise in the value of Silver (and, incidentally, of many other metals) was a very noticeable feature during the War.
There were, no doubt, numerous reasons for its appreciation. but it would be outside the scope of this paper to attempt to discuss them in any detail.
It is sufficient to point out here that there were continuous and serious political disturbances in Mexico which checked greatly the output of silver from that highly argentiferous region: that as is generally the case in the East when any universal feeling of apprehension or trouble is felt, there was much hoarding of coins and a corresponding withdrawal from circulation of a very large quantity of metallic currency: and that huge issues of notes by many of the belligerent States tended to enhance the intrinsic worth of almost every form of coinage.
For about a year after the commencement of hostilities silver remained steady but in December, 1915 a progressive upward movement commenced which reached its culminating point about the end of 1919: since that date there has been a sharp and continued decline.
The sub-joined table shows roughly what took place:—
| Date. | Value per ounce in London. | |
|---|---|---|
| s. | d. | |
| 31.3.14 | 2 | 234 |
| 30.6.14 | 2 | 2116 |
| 30.9.14 | 2 | 0 |
| 31.12.14 | 1 | 1034 |
| 31.3.15 | 1 | 934 |
| 30.6.15 | 1 | 1078 |
| 30.9.15 | 1 | 111116 |
| 31.12.15 | 2 | 2316 |
| 31.3.16 | 2 | 41516 |
| 30.6.16 | 2 | 7710 |
| 30.9.16 | 2 | 81516 |
| 31.12.16 | 3 | 012 |
| 31.3.17 | 3 | 0 |
| 30.6.17 | 3 | 312 |
| 30.9.17 | 4 | 012 |
| 31.12.17 | 3 | 712 |
| 31.3.18 | 3 | 958 |
| 30.6.18 | 4 | 012 |
| 30.9.18 | 4 | 112 |
| 31.12.18 | 4 | 0716 |
| 31.3.19 | 4 | 134 |
| 30.6.19 | 4 | 534 |
| 30.9.19 | 5 | 218 |
| 31.12.19 | 6 | 414 |
| 30.3.20 | 5 | 11 |
| 21.9.20 | 4 | 1112 |
silver at a value even approaching that which it attained in the year succeeding the War.
In 1870 the price per ounce was about 5s. 0d.; in 1880, 4s. 4d.; in 1890, 3s. 11d.; in 1900, 2s. 4d.; and in 1910 about 2s. 0d.
The result of the appreciation was, that, as soon as the silver coins current in British Malaya became, as to their silver contents, worth more than their face value, they were collected by adventurous individuals, sent out of the country and melted down for disposal as bullion and, as these coins were of high silver fineness, this undertaking became a profitable one directly the price of silver touched about 3s. 0d. per ounce: and, although legislation against both export and hoarding was soon introduced, such measures were not, it is to be feared, of much practical effect. The dollar soon vanished and the 50, 20, 10 and 5 cent pieces became rapidly scarce: in 1917 the shortage began to be very serious whilst the bronze coinage (1, 12 and 14 cents) commenced also to disappear. The Government was faced with a difficult situation in its endeavours to provide a suit- able substitute for the disappearing currency. The proposal to mint coins of intrinsically very low value could not be immediately carried out: the Indian Mints were extremely busy and, though an effort was made to obtain assistance from the Royal Siamese Mint at Bangkok, no aid could be, owing to technical causes, gained from that Institution: indeed it was not until nearly three years later that new coins appeared to replace those which had been removed from circulation.
In the meantime something had to be done and the first step was the issue of a locally made 10 cent note. These notes were printed on rather thick coarse paper of open texture at the Government Printing Works, Singapore: they tore easily and quickly absorbed dirt and were consequently not very popular.
They measured about 117 × 76 mm. and were coloured in yellow, green and black on the front and in red on the back.
The design was very simple: the face of the note has a yellow back ground about 87 × 59 mm. in size and consisting of a narrow border about 16 mm. in width and. within this, the words "Ten Cents" repeated in a series of horizontal lines in small letters.
Overprinted on this background, in green, lies a narrow green border 14 mm. in width; within this in green appears a small representation of the Royal Arms at the top in the centre: underneath there runs the phrasing:—
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS.
Promises to pay the bearer on demand at Singapore.
TEN CENTS.
Local Currency for Value received.
The above with the exception of the words "Ten Cents" (which are in black) is in green.
In the left hand top corner appears within a black circle "10 Cents." In the left hand bottom corner "Ten cents" in Chinese and to the right of that the serial number of the note; below the main inscription and to the right the signature of the Treasurer and the word "Treasurer": in the right hand bottom corner "10 cents" in Tamil and in the right hand top comer "Ten cents" in Malay: all the above is in black.
On the back of the note is a decorative design of scroll work: in the centre a representation of a ten cent Treasury Revenue embossed stamp cancellation: all in red.
The first issue was made on October 8th, 1917 and bore the signature of the Hon. Mr. Hayes Marriott then acting Treasurer [Pl. I. figs. 1 and 2.]: later. the issue starting on January 2nd, 1919. the notes bore the signature of the Hon. Mr. A. M. Pountney, C.B.E., the Treasurer of the Straits Settlements. [Pl. II. fig. 3].
Very large numbers of these notes were put into circulation and the value of those issued by September 22nd, 1920 was $1,925,484. 80 cents.
On April 22nd, 1920 a new Ten Cent note made its appearance: they were on proper India paper and were engraved in London by the well known London firm of Messrs. Thomas de la Rue and Co., Ltd. They measured about 108 x 63 mm, and were of a handsome and artistic design. [Pl. III. figs. 4 and 5].
A pale olive green border, containing the value in white in English, Chinese, Tamil and Malay, surrounded a handsome scroll work background of pale brown over which, in pink, stands a representation of the Royal Arms and the words:—
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS.
Promises to pay the bearer on demand at Singapore.
TEN 10 CENTS.
Local Currency for Value received.
(Signature)
Treasurer.
The serial number appears in black at the two top corners of the note.
On the back of the note appears the representation of a dragon in white and pale green and the value in English, Chinese, Tamil and Malay in the four corners.
By September 22nd, 1920 the value of these notes issued was $680,000. The locally manufactured ten cent notes were extensively counterfeited and a great many of these forgeries circulated side by side with the genuine ones.
On January 21st, 1918 an issue of Twenty-five cent notes commenced. These were prepared at the Government Survey Office at Kuala Lumpur, Federated Malay States. (Pl. IV. figs. 6 and 7). The value of these notes in circulation by September 22nd, 1920 was $39,825. I was recently informed that these twenty-five cent notes were being withdrawn from circulation as occasion permitted.
The twenty-five cent note was a better looking production than the local ten cent paper currency. They measured about 108 × 75 mm. The material was a fairly thin white paper closely striped with narrow perpendicular pale pink lines. On the face was first printed an elaborate ornamental design (in orange) and outside this (in black) a border of heavy spandrels with the figures "25" in white in a black circle at the top corner and "Cts" in similar circles. at the bottom corners: midway on the right, and left and at the bottom, in Tamil, Malay and Chinese respectively and in black on white scrolls "25 Cents." Over the orange pattern and printed in black:
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS.
Promises to pay the bearer on demand at Singapore.
TWENTY FIVE CENTS.
Local Currency for Value received.
(H. MARRIOTT)
Ag. Treasurer.
The Royal Arms.
(Serial letters and number.)
On the back of the note appears in black the representation of a tiger standing amongst long grass super-imposed upon a decorative orange coloured background in the upper corners of which are, in white, the figures "25" and in the lower corners also in white "Cts."
The issue of notes undoubtedly saved the situation but, even so, small change was often a great difficulty and postage stamps and tramway tickets were sometimes offered.
I heard of Chinese Towkays up-country utilizing notes and vouchers or "good-fors" of their own, and a number of tokens or tallies, (some of which are described in this Article) made their appearance in different localities.
In 1919 a large quantity of debased 5, 10, and, I understand, some 20 cent silver pieces were issued for currency in British Malaya from the Indian Mints; in 1919 to the value of $950,000 and in 1920, up to about the middle of March, $950,000 worth. I am informed that during this period no 50 cent or dollar pieces were received from the Indian Mints. Even of this debased coinage I believe a considerable quantity found its way to the China coast being utilized there as currency in place of that of higher intrinsic value which disappeared into the melting pot. I do not describe these, as, except for the fact that they were of very low silver fineness, they appeared to be similar to the former Georgian coins of like denomination.
The following is a short account of some of the coins and tokens which have come under my notice:—
STRAITS SETTLEMENTS.
1. One cent: minted at the Calcutta Royal Mint: made of bronze: a square shaped coin with rounded corners: size across 21.3 mm. Plain edge.
Obv. Crowned head and bust of King George to left; a dot below: legend on left, above and right "GEORGE V KING AND EMPEROR OF INDIA.
Rev. Within an interior beaded circle the figure "1" over the word "CENT": outside this circle and within another similar circle the legend "STRAITS SETTLEMENTS" (rosace) 1920 (rosace)." [Pl. II. figs. 8 and 9.] Up to the 22nd September, 1920 there had been received in the Straits Settlements Treasury, cents of this type to the value of $576,650.
2. Five cents: made of nickel: circular diameter 20 mm.: plain edge.
Obv. Crowned head and bust of King George to left. Legend around "GEORGE KING AND EMPEROR OF INDIA,” [Pl. II. figs. 10 and 11].
Rev. Within a beaded interior circle the figure "5": around and outside the circle the legend "STRAITS SETTLEMENTS," above; and, below, "FIVE CENTS 1920."
I received specimens of this coin in January, 1921. These coins were struck at both the Calcutta and Bombay Mints: the coins first. issued for circulation (and the one above described) emanated from the latter: none having been despatched from the former Mint by January 24th, 1921. I am indebted for this information to the Authorities at His Majesty's Mint, Calcutta.
SINGAPORE.
In August, 1920, 1 heard that the Singapore Harbour Board had issued tokens for use within their very extensive premises covering the long line of docks which serve the Port. The result of my enquiries was that the Chairman very kindly gave me specimens of the denominations then in use and in January, 1921, was good enough to let me have examples of a new issue. These may be described thus:—
First issue.
1. One cent: made of tin: diameter 34 mm.: a circular coin punched on one side only, the other side being plain. [Pl. II. fig. 12].
Obv. Within a small central circle the figure "1"; outside and within another circle the letters "S H B." These letters are the initial letters of the Singapore Harbour Board.
Rev. Plain.
2. Half-cent: made of tin: diameter 24 mm.: a circular coin punched on one side only, the other side being plain. [Pl. II. fig. 13].
Obv. Within a small central circle the figures "12"; outside and within another circle the letters "S H B."
Rev. Plain.
Second issue.
3. One cent: made of tin: diameter 28.5 mm.; a circular coin punched on one side only, the other side being plain. [PI. III. fig. 14].
Obv. Within a garter, the arms of the Singapore Harbour Board consisting of a lion "passant" to left standing on a castle, the whole surmounting a diamond shaped lozenge enclosing a three-armed ornament each arm containing a crown. On the left is a large figure "1" and on the right the word in small lettering "cent." Around and within the riband of the garter the legend "THE SINGAPORE HARBOUR BOARD."
Rev. Plain.
4. Half-cent: similar to the One cent but smaller: diameter 26 mm. The only difference is that the figures "12" replace the figure "1" [Pl. III. fig. 15].
5. Quarter cent: similar to the half-cent but smaller: diameter 22.5 mm. The figures "14" replace the figures "12" [Pl. III. fig. 16].
I am informed that the punches from which the first issue was struck were made locally at Singapore and the tokens struck locally. They are somewhat rough productions.
For the second issue, however, the dies or punches were manufactured at the Royal Mint at Bangkok, Siam, and are of a high standard of excellence: the tokens for current use were, I understand, struck locally at Singapore and, whether from the use of insufficient pressure, hasty work or other cause, the impression produced does not bring out all the detail of the design in those which I have examined: for example, the impression of the diamond-shaped lozenge is very faint; whilst of the three armed ornament and the three crowns there is hardly any trace. On the other hand I have seen proofs of No. 3 in copper and in some white metal which, carefully and properly struck, show every detail perfectly. I therefore add these proofs to the list.
6. Proof in copper of No. 3: fine work.
7. Proof in hard white metal of No. 3: fine work.
These tokens can hardly be regarded as currency even in a restricted area as they are strictly only intended to be used for the purpose of immediate payment to coolies (by way of tallies really) for services such as carrying baskets of coal or parcels of merchandise to and from ships: the tokens are redeemable at depôts on the premises of the Singapore Harbour Board for ordinary coinage or notes current in British Malaya. I was informed that they were not issued under any Government authority.
PULAU BUKOM.
In August, 1920 1 was asked by the world-wide known numismatist Mr. J. P. Moquette if I had heard of an issue of tokens from this place: a small island lying about seven miles from Singapore. It is British territory and there is situated an important oil depôt of the Asiatic Petroleum Company.
I made enquiries from the Manager of the Company who very courteously sent me specimens of the tokens which the Company had issued for Island use. I subsequently had the opportunity of seeing several more examples. The following is a description.
1. One cent: made of tin: diameter 29 mm,; a circular coin punched on one side only; the other side being plain. [Pl. V. fig. 17].
Obv. Within a small central circle the figure "1": outside and within another another circle the letters "P. BUKOM." The letter "P" stands for the word "Pulau" which is Malay for "Island."
Rev. Plain.
2. Half cent: made of tin: diameter 19 mim.: a circular coin punched on one side only; the other side being plain. [Pl. V. fig. 18].
Obv. Within a small central circle the figures "12": outside and within another circle the letters "P. BUKOM."
Rev. Plain.
I was informed that these tokens were not issued under any Government authority.
PULAU SAMBOE.
In the early part of 1920 my attention was drawn to some tokens apparently emanating from this Island which is a Dutch possession situated about ten miles from Singapore. Large oil depôts are maintained at this place. I accordingly wrote in April of that year to the Official in charge of the Island asking for information about the issue. I received an obliging reply the interesting portion of which reads:—
"Owing to the shortage of copper coins, I was compelled to introduce tokens at this place because a lot of work done by coolies here is paid cash on the spot.
"The token has therefore no value as "currency" but a token represents the value of one Straits Settlements cent; and these tokens can only be used on the Island of Pulo Samboe and then only for the Companies' business."
Mr. Moquette kindly informed me in August, 1920 that the Dutch Government had already, by that date, forbidden the further use of these tokens. I had, however, the opportunity of examining about thirty: the following account gives a short description of them.
1. One cent; made of tin: diameter 29 mm.: a circular coin punched on one side only, the other side being plain. [Pl. V. fig. 19].
Obv. Within a small central circle the figure "1"; outside and within another circle the letters "P. SAMBOE." The letter "P" stands for the word "Pulau" which is Malay for "Island."
Rev. Plain.
2. One cent: similar to No. 1, but the letter "O" is stamped "O": this is not an uncommon variety and I think was the first issue; the punch being later perfected. [Pl. V. fig. 20].
3. Half cent: made of tin: diameter 22.5 mm.: a circular coin punched on one side only, the other side being plain. [Pl. V. fig. 21].
Obv. Within a thick raised circle the letter "S" which is the initial letter of "Samboc."
Rev. Plain.
TRENGGANU.
The ordinary issue of "white" or pewter cents by the State of Trengganu is well known. In September, 1920, however, a new issue appeared which is of considerable interest. They differ considerably from the earlier issues. The following is a description of the new coin of which, through the kindness of the British Adviser, I have received specimens.
1. One cent: struck at Trengganu: made of pewter: circular: diameter 28.8 mm.: milled edge. [Pl. V. figs. 22 and 23].
Obv. Within a diamond-shaped figure, the figure "1" flanked by a six-pointed star on each side: the whole within an interior beaded circle: around, and within an exterior beaded circle, a wreath of leaves.
Rev. Within an interior beaded circle in Malay "Kerajaan Trengganu Sanah 1325" (i.e. "State of Trengganu Year 1325"). Outside, and within an exterior circle, in Malay character "S. Z. A." (i.e. the initial letters of Sultan Zenal Abidin) each letter separated from the other by a six-pointed star.
The points of interest with regard to this coin are:—
(a) Sultan Zenal Abidin died in 1918 and was succeeded by a son who abdicated in 1920 and in turn was succeeded by another son of the deceased Sultan. Owing to the great shortage of small currency in the State (where silver and copper coinage of the Straits Settlements are current as well as the local pewter coinage) a new issue of coinage became urgently necessary. There was no time to order a new "die" from Europe and the old die (modified slightly on the Obverse) was used.
(b) The modification consists in the addition (cut into the old die) of the diamond shaped figure surrounding and the two stars flanking the figure 1." The old Hegira date 1325 (i.e. 1906-7) is retained though the coins were issued only in 1920: so too are the initials of the Sultan who died in 1918.
(c) The main reason why any modification was really necessary was because owing to the high price of tin these "white" or pewter cents were issued as equal to Straits Settlements copper or "red" cents whereas 400 of the old Trengganu cents only equalled in value 300 Straits copper cents.
(d) The alloy was prepared by the great Tin Smelting Company of Singapore, the Straits Trading Coy., Ltd. and is noticeably harder than the mixture used for earlier issues. The die itself is rather worn and the sheath or instrument used for cutting the blanks from the sheet metal is getting blunt and could not be properly repaired by the local Trengganu metal-workers: with the result that the edging of the coin is very poor and the general impression not very clear: though specimens vary.
(e) Ten thousand dollars worth of these coins were to be issued. The issue was authorized by the High Commissioner.
NETHERLANDS INDIES.
Mr. Moquette of Weltevreden, Java, informed me in 1920 that in 1914, in consequence of shortage in copper currency, an issue of Tin coins representing values of 5 and 10 cents was contemplated. Dies were prepared at the Opium Factory at Batavia but, as the scarcity of coinage was within a short time made good by a supply from Holland, the projected issue of coins was never made.
The die for the 10 cent piece was destroyed and the specimens struck from it were, with the exception of one example produced after the die had already been damaged and now in the Batavia Museum, melted down. The die for the 5 cent piece was however preserved and is in the same Museum together with a few specimens struck from it. The following is a short description of these extremely rare proofs:—
1. Ten cents: struck at Batavia, Java: made of tin with a little lead: circular: size 27 mm. Plain edge. Description from a plaster cast. [Pl. V. figs. 24 and 25].
Obv. A Crown surmounting "10 Ct.": below, the words "NEDERLANDSCH INDIE" in two lines. There are two flaws in the die.
Rev. In the centre, within a scroll work border, the date "1914." Above in Javanese character and below in Malay "One-tenth part of a guilder."
2. Five cents: struck at Batavia, Java: made of tin with a little lead: circular: size 26.5 mm. Plain edge: a thick coin of 3 mm. Description from a specimen given to me by Mr. Moquette. [Plate V. figs. 26 and 27].
Obv. Within a beaded circle a Crown surmounting "5 Ct." Outside and above, the word "NEDERLANDSCH" and below "INDIE." To left the mint-mark of a sea-horse (the conventional mark of the Dutch mint-master Dr. C. Hoitzema); to right a caduceus (the conventional marque d'atelier of Utrecht).
Rev. Within a beaded circle in Malay "One twentieth part of a guilder" outside and around, the same in Javanese character, and at foot "1914."
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