THREE Malaysian coins have captured attention after being highlighted by the United States Central Intelligence Agency in their weekly artefact presentation on their official X social media platform.
The featured currency includes coins valued at 20 sen (minted in 2018), 10 sen (from 2017), and 5 sen (also from 2018).
These coins were found positioned at the foot of the Nathan Hale memorial statue, which stands outside the CIA’s original headquarters facility in Langley, Virginia.
All three coins bore distinctive small artistic elements: the 20 sen piece displayed artwork depicting a traditional broom figure, the 10 sen coin showed what appeared to be imagery of a woman or child, and the 5 sen coin contained markings resembling animal tracks.
The intelligence agency has not disclosed the identity of whoever placed these coins at the memorial site, nor has it revealed the timeframe when they were deposited.
According to CIA documentation on their official website, it has become customary for intelligence officers to place coins at the statue’s base prior to undertaking overseas assignments.
The agency explains that this ritual is steeped in tradition: “Legend suggests this practice brings fortune and ensures Hale’s protective spirit watches over officers during their international missions.”
The memorial honours Nathan Hale, recognised as America’s inaugural intelligence operative, who faced execution in 1776 when he was just 21 years old. His capture occurred while conducting surveillance on British military operations during the American Revolution.
The bronze statue portrays Hale with his hands restrained, his gaze fixed resolutely into the distance.
While CIA personnel typically deposit American quarter dollars bearing George Washington’s likeness, some opt for alternative currency that holds special significance or personal value.
Certain officers choose to leave exactly 76 cents as tribute to the Revolutionary War year of 1776, whilst others select international currency such as these Malaysian coins, which often feature meaningful artwork or inscriptions.
The CIA Museum staff regularly gather the accumulated coins from around the statue’s perimeter.
These collected coins are subsequently contributed to both the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation and the Third Option Foundation - charitable organisations dedicated to supporting wounded intelligence personnel and the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service.
