Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstra85861922roya).pdf/182

 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 "$1⁄2$"; outside and within another circle the letters "S H B."

Rev. Plain.

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 "$1⁄2$" replace the figure "1" [Pl. III. fig. 15].

5. Quarter cent: similar to the half-cent but smaller: diameter 22.5 mm. The figures "$1⁄4$" replace the figures "$1⁄2$" [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