Coinciding with debasement in Great Britain, the small, silver five cent coin was replaced in 1920 by a larger, cupro-nickel
piece due to the rising cost of silver after World War I. The overall design of the coin remained the same with the reverse design featuring partitioned ring design with 5 in the inner circle with the
legend, STRAITS SETTLEMENTS. FIVE CENTS 1920 while the obverse features the Mackennal
effigy of King George V and the legend, GEORGE V KING AND EMPEROR OF INDIA.The issue is relatively
common in lower grades which should please most type set collectors but it can be very difficult
to source in the upper grades, particularly if sought in mint state due to extensive circulation
during the roaring twenties.
