The first series of
Straits Settlements coins bearing the inscription “Straits Settlement” was issued in 1871 for the ruler Queen Victoria. 5 Cents, 10 Cents and 20 Cents were introduced in 1871. In 1872 ¼ Cent, ½ Cent and 1 Cent were released into circulation. Silver 50 cents coins were first introduced in 1886. ¼ , ½ and 1 Cent coins were made by copper and bronze depending on their issuance year. 5, 10, 20 and 50 Cents were made by .800 silver.
The Straits Settlements coinage gradually became acceptable legal tender in the neighbouring Federated Malay States consisting Perak, Selangor, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan which came into being on 1st July 1896.
The Unfederated Malay States consisting of Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu came to accept the coinage of the Straits Settlements after the appointment of British advisers in 1909. Johor only accepted the appointment of British Advisor in 1914. However, due to the close prodimity of Johor to Melaka and Singapore, the coinage of the Straits Settlements was already in circulation in Johor by the late 19th Century.
Queen Victoria 1/4 cent coin
Obverse Description: Head of the Queen wearing coronet or diadem ornamented with jewels facing left; around, VICTORIA QUEEN. The ends of the coronet are connected by a band which is partly hidden by the hair. The hair is drawn into a knot tied with a bow which hangs down the back of the neck.
Reverse Description: Within a circle of beads, 1/4; around above, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS; below, QUARTER CENT 1& year
Technical Specifications:
Denomination: 1/4 cent
Issued by: Straits Settlements
Ruler/Governor: Queen Victoria
Mint: Bombay Mint
Diameter: 18 mm
Thickness:
Weight: 2.33 g
Coin Shape: Round
Composition: Copper from 1872-1883, Bronze from 1884-1901
Queen Victoria 1/2 cent coin
Obverse Description: Head of the Queen wearing coronet or diadem ornamented with jewels facing left; around, VICTORIA QUEEN. The ends of the coronet are connected by a band which is partly hidden by the hair. The hair is drawn into a knot tied with a bow which hangs down the back of the neck.
Reverse Description: Within a circle of beads, 1/2; around above, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS; below, HALF CENT & Year.
Technical Specifications:
Denomination: 1/2 cent
Issued by: Straits Settlements
Ruler/Governor: Queen Victoria
Mint: (H) Heaton and Son, Great Britain
Diameter: 23 mm
Thickness:
Weight: 4.66 g
Coin Shape: Round
Composition: Copper from 1872-1883, Bronze from 1884-1889
Coin Edge: Plain
You can refer the price & value of this coin in this post;
Queen Victoria 1/2 cent coins value.
Queen Victoria 1 cent coin
Obverse Description: Head of the Queen wearing coronet or diadem ornamented with jewels facing left; around, VICTORIA QUEEN. The ends of the coronet are connected by a band which is partly hidden by the hair. The hair is drawn into a knot tied with a bow which hangs down the back of the neck.
Reverse Description: Within a circle of beads, 1; around above, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS; below, ONE CENT & Year.
Technical Specifications:
Denomination: 1 cent
Issued by: Straits Settlements
Ruler/Governor: Queen Victoria
Mint: Bombay Mint
Diameter: 29 mm
Thickness:
Weight: 9.33 g
Coin Shape: Round
Composition: Copper from 1872-1883, Bronze from 1884-1901
Coin Edge: Plain
You can refer the price & value of this coin in this post;
Queen Victoria 1 cent coins value.
Queen Victoria 5 cents coin
Obverse Description: Head of the Queen wearing coronet or diadem ornamented with jewels facing left; around, VICTORIA QUEEN. The ends of the coronet are connected by a band which is partly hidden by the hair. The hair is drawn into a knot tied with a bow which hangs down the back of the neck.
Reverse Description: Within a circle of beads, 5; around above, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS; below, FIVE CENT & Year.
Technical Specifications:
Denomination: 5 cents
Issued by: Straits Settlements
Ruler/Governor: Queen Victoria
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Diameter: 16 mm
Thickness:
Weight: 1.35 g
Coin Shape: Round
Composition: .800 Silver
Coin Edge: Milled
You can refer the price & value of this coin in this post;
Queen Victoria 5 cent coins price.
Queen Victoria 10 cents coin
Obverse Description: Head of the Queen wearing coronet or diadem ornamented with jewels facing left; around, VICTORIA QUEEN. The ends of the coronet are connected by a band which is partly hidden by the hair. The hair is drawn into a knot tied with a bow which hangs down the back of the neck.
Reverse Description: Within a circle of beads, 10; around above, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS; below, TEN CENT & Year.
Technical Specifications:
Denomination: 10 cents
Issued by: Straits Settlements
Ruler/Governor: Queen Victoria
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Diameter: 18 mm
Thickness:
Weight: 2.70 g
Coin Shape: Round
Composition: .800 Silver
Coin Edge: Milled
You can refer the price & value of this coin in this post;
Queen Victoria 10 cents coins price.
Queen Victoria 20 cents coin
Obverse Description: Head of the Queen wearing coronet or diadem ornamented with jewels facing left; around, VICTORIA QUEEN. The ends of the coronet are connected by a band which is partly hidden by the hair. The hair is drawn into a knot tied with a bow which hangs down the back of the neck.
Reverse Description: Within a circle of beads, 20; around above, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS; below, TWENTY CENT & Year.
Technical Specifications:
Denomination: 20 cents
Issued by: Straits Settlements
Ruler/Governor: Queen Victoria
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Diameter: 23 mm
Thickness:
Weight: 5.40 g
Coin Shape: Round
Composition: .800 Silver
Coin Edge: Milled
You can refer the price & value of this coin in this post;
Queen Victoria 20 cents coins price.
Queen Victoria 50 cents coin
Obverse Description: Head of the Queen wearing coronet or diadem ornamented with jewels facing left; around, VICTORIA QUEEN. The ends of the coronet are connected by a band which is partly hidden by the hair. The hair is drawn into a knot tied with a bow which hangs down the back of the neck.
Reverse Description: Within a circle of beads, 50; around above, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS; below, FIFTY CENT & Year.
Technical Specifications:
Denomination: 50 cents
Issued by: Straits Settlements
Ruler/Governor: Queen Victoria
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Diameter: 31 mm
Thickness:
Weight: 13.517 g
Coin Shape: Round
Composition: .800 Silver
Coin Edge: Milled
You can refer the price & value of this coin in this post;
Queen Victoria 50 cents coins price.
Straits Settlements Queen Victoria coins Price & Value:
Source:
1. Saran Singh "The Encyclopaedia of the coins of Malaya Singapore and Brunei 1400-1967".
2. Wikipedia
