Latest news with #CIAMuseum
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Borneo Post
CIA spotlights Malaysian coins found at spy statue
According to a statement on the agency's official website, CIA officers often leave coins at the foot of the statue before embarking on overseas assignments. — Photo via X/CIA KUALA LUMPUR (July 16): Three Malaysian coins have drawn unexpected attention after appearing in a weekly artefact spotlight by the United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The coins — a 20 sen piece from 2018, a 10 sen coin from 2017, and a 5 sen coin from 2018 — were featured on the CIA's official X account, where the agency regularly highlights curious or meaningful items from its archives. They were discovered at the base of the Nathan Hale statue located outside the CIA's original headquarters in Langley, Virginia. Each coin carried small, distinctive illustrations: the 20 sen coin featured a stick figure, the 10 sen coin appeared to depict a woman or child, while the 5 sen coin bore what looked like an animal footprint. The CIA did not disclose who placed the coins there or when they were left. According to a statement on the agency's official website, CIA officers often leave coins at the foot of the statue before embarking on overseas assignments. 'According to legend, doing so brings good luck and is believed to ensure Hale protects the officer throughout their mission,' the CIA said. Nathan Hale is considered the first intelligence officer in American history. He was executed in 1776 at the age of 21 after being captured while spying on British troops during the American Revolutionary War. The statue depicts him with hands bound, gazing resolutely into the distance. While US quarter-dollar coins featuring George Washington are most commonly left behind, some officers opt for coins with symbolic or personal significance — including foreign coins like the Malaysian ones, or coin combinations such as 76 cents to commemorate the year 1776. The CIA Museum periodically collects the coins left at the statue. Proceeds from the collection are donated to the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation and the Third Option Foundation, which support wounded officers and the families of those killed in the line of duty. – Malay Mail cia Malaysian coins spy statue us
The Sun
16-07-2025
- The Sun
CIA features Malaysian coins at intelligence memorial
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.
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- New Straits Times
CIA showcases Malaysian coins placed at intelligence memorial
KUALA LUMPUR – Three Malaysian coins were recently featured by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as part of a weekly artefact highlight on its official X account. The coins – a 20 sen piece minted in 2018, a 10 sen from 2017, and a 5 sen from 2018 – were collected at the base of the Nathan Hale statue outside the CIA's Original Headquarters Building in Langley, Virginia. Each coin carried a tiny illustration. The 20 sen had a stick figure drawn on it, the 10 sen appeared to depict a woman or child, while the 5 sen bore a small paw print. The CIA did not reveal who placed the coins or when they were left there. "Before going overseas, CIA officers leave a coin at the statue's base. According to legend, doing so brings good luck and ensures that Hale will keep the officers safe on their mission," the agency explained on its website. The statue honours Nathan Hale, regarded as America's first intelligence officer. He was executed in 1776 at the age of 21 after being caught spying on British troops during the American Revolutionary War. The statue depicts him with bound hands, gazing resolutely into the distance. Officers typically leave a US quarter bearing George Washington's image. Others choose coins with symbolic or personal meaning. Some leave 76 cents to mark the year 1776, while others, like those who left the Malaysian coins, opt for foreign denominations marked with drawings or messages. The CIA Museum periodically collects the coins left at the statue. The money is donated to the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation and the Third Option Foundation, both of which support injured officers and the families of those who died in the line of duty.
