Malaya Board of Commissioners of Currency 1 Dollar 1.1.1940 Pick 4b KNB3a PMG Very Fine 20. The first series of Malayan notes was printed by Waterlow & Sons and was intended to replace the well-worn Straits Settlements issues of the last decade and beyond. However, this series, dated 1940, was mostly ill-fated. A sufficient number of purple $10 notes arrived safely in Singapore and George Town, and were issued. The $1 and $5 denominations were plagued with transport issues, such as the sinking of the Emmaus and the capture of the SS Automedon. Although some $1 and $5 notes did arrive safely, enough were lost at sea or stolen that it was decided to postpone the issuance of these first two denominations. During World War II, the Japanese advance through Malaya caused mass evacuations and the notes in storage were sent to India or stolen by the invading forces. After the British regained control of Malaya from the Japanese in 1945, any remaining examples from 1940 were destroyed and the 1941 series was issued. A few green $1 notes dated 1940 are known to exist. Some washed ashore on the west coast of Malaya, and entered circulation "unofficially". This example shows some circulation and lightened rust, but all details are clear. A remarkable note, ill-fated from the start, and extremely collectible.

HID09801242017

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