Counterfeit Detection: Malaysia 1969 50 Sen – No Security Edge

Malaysia gained its independence in 1957 and introduced the Ringgit as its currency in 1967. Like all early Malaysian coins, the 50 Sen (equivalent to half a Ringgit) shows the denomination on its obverse and Parliament House on the reverse. Nearly all of the 50 Sen coins dated 1967, 1968 and 1969 have a reeded edge that includes a security pattern in the middle of the reeding.

Genuine Malaysia 1969 50 Sen – No Security Edge Click images to enlarge.

However, on a very small number of coins, this security edge is missing, and the coin merely has a reeded edge. These rare coins can sell for hundreds of dollars, or more. In October 2023, a Malaysia 1969 50 Sen – No Security Edge graded NGC MS 62 realized RM20,000 (or about $4,000 USD) at a Trigometric auction.

Two purported Malaysia 1969 50 Sen – Without Security Edge coins Click images to enlarge.

NGC received two purported examples of the Malaysia 1969 50 Sens – Without Security Edge in separate submissions within a few weeks of each other. While the coins are of the correct weight and metal (copper-nickel), they have odd, prooflike surfaces that don’t match genuine examples. Furthermore, similarities shared by these two coins remove any doubt about their spurious nature.

Repeating depressions on one of the fake coins Click images to enlarge.

Repeating depressions can be seen in the same places on both coins, including the first ‘A’ in MALAYSIA and the ‘0’ in 50 on the obverse. This imperfections existed on the genuine coin that was used to create the dies to strike these counterfeits. Every coin struck by these dies will have these depressions. Because two genuine coins would not pick up the exact same set of marks from circulation as these two coins, they can declared counterfeit with certainty.

Ironically, the missing security edge that makes genuine examples of these coins so valuable also makes them easier to counterfeit. If you are unsure about your own coin authentication abilities, remember that NGC backs its determinations of authenticity and grade with the NGC Guarantee.

Did you know? NGC has created a comprehensive Counterfeit Detection resource to help collectors and dealers identify counterfeit and altered coins. Visit NGCcoin.com/counterfeit.