Straits Settlements 20 Cent Silver Coin, 1935, Flat Top "3", NGC AU Details (Cleaned)
basic information
Issuing country: Straits Settlements (British Malaya)
Face value: 20 cents
Year of publication: 1935
Variety: Flat-Top 3
Appraisal institution: NGC (Numismatic Guarantee Company)
Grade: AU Details (Harshly Cleaned)
NGC Certification Number: 8202907-098
Material: Silver (Silver .600)
Weight: 5.43g
Diameter: 23.8mm
Thickness: 1.8mm
Edge: Reeded
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History and background of publication
This coin is a 20-cent silver coin issued in 1935 in the British-ruled Straits Settlements.
The Straits Settlements, centered around Singapore, Penang, and Malacca, were important British trading centers, and this currency was widely used as a high-denomination silver coin for everyday circulation.
There are two types of 1935 inscriptions, each with a different shape for the number "3".
* Flat-Top 3
* Round-Top 3
It is classified as a variety.
This item is a Flat-Top 3 type, popular among collectors.
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Design Features
Obverse
This is a portrait of King George V of Great Britain, facing left.
In the surrounding area
"GEORGE V KING AND EMPEROR OF INDIA"
The inscription bears the title of King of Great Britain and Emperor of India.
Reverse side
Large in the center
"20"
The face value is displayed as follows:
In the surrounding area
"STRAITS SETTLEMENTS"
At the bottom
"TWENTY CENTS 1935"
The words are inscribed on it.
In the 1935 edition, there were variations in the font of the "3," and this item is classified as a Flat-Top 3, which has a flat top.
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What is Flat-Top 3?
The 1935 20-cent silver coin has two variations, each featuring a different design of the number "3".
* Flat-Top 3: The top of the number "3" is nearly horizontal.
* Round-Top 3: The number "3" has a rounded top.
This difference is a key identification point for collectors, and NGC also clearly indicates the variety name on the label.
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Collection value and market valuation
The 1935 20-cent silver coin is one of the most popular years in the Straits Settlements series, and the Flat-Top 3 in particular is highly sought after by variety collectors.
This item has an **AU Details (Harshly Cleaned)** rating, which is equivalent to a near-mint condition (About Uncirculated), but it has not been assigned a standard numerical grade due to excessive cleaning.
Therefore, while the market price is lower than comparable standard AU grade items, it offers the appeal of being able to collect rare varieties at an affordable price.
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Regarding the condition and authenticity of the listed items
This coin has been authenticated by **NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)**.
* Grade: AU Details (Harshly Cleaned)
* Variety: Flat-Top 3
* Authentication number: 8202907-098
"Harshly Cleaned" indicates that the item has undergone a stronger cleaning and polishing treatment than usual. While this does not affect its authenticity, this treatment has resulted in the item not being assigned a standard numerical grade.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is Flat-Top 3?
A. This is a variation of the 1935 20-cent silver coin featuring a different shape for the number "3". This particular item is classified as a "Flat-Top 3" with a flat top.
Q. What are AU Details?
A. This coin is in near-mint condition (About Uncirculated), but due to cleaning and other reasons, it has been given a "Details" rating instead of the usual numerical grade.
Q. Does "Harshly Cleaned" mean it's a fake?
A. No. This is an assessment indicating that excessive cleaning or polishing has been observed, and is not related to its authenticity. It is a genuine item authenticated by the NGC.
Q. Is this coin a silver coin?
A. Yes. It is a silver coin with a fineness of **.600 (60% silver), weighing 5.43g** and with a diameter of 23.8mm.
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