Monetary Authority of Singapore KNOW YOUR MONEY Coins
CONTENTS THE CURRENT SERIES COINS THE THIRD SERIES... 3 3.1 The Third Series Coins... 3 3.2 Third Series Coin Features... 3 3.3 Third Series Coin Specifications... 6
THE CURRENT SERIES COINS THE THIRD SERIES 3.1 The Third Series Coins Countries generally change their circulation coins every 20 to 30 years to incorporate new security features, update the coin designs and to mint coins more cost effectively. Prior to the introduction of the Third Series coins, the Second Series coins, which were introduced between 1985 and 1987, had been in circulation for more than 25 years. New security features were incorporated into Third Series coins to stay ahead of counterfeiters and maintain confidence in the use of the country s currency. The Third Series coin designs were also updated to depict icons and landmarks of our nation, economy and society that Singaporeans young and old can identify easily. The look and feel of the coins were developed in consultation with industry suppliers and special interest groups such as the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped. All the five (5-cent, 10-cent, 20-cent and 1-dollar) denominations in the Third Series were issued on 25 June 2013. The First and Second series coins remain legal tender and the public can continue to use them for payment alongside the Third Series coins. 3.2 Third Series Coin Features Designs The coins depict well known icons and landmarks of Singapore: The Merlion, a renowned icon of Singapore, is featured on the 1-dollar coin. The Port of Singapore, one of the busiest ports in the world, is featured on the 50-cent coin. Changi Airport, one of the best airports in the world, is featured on the 20-cent coin. Public Housing, home to more than 80% of Singaporeans, is featured on the 10-cent coin. KNOW YOUR MONEY 3
Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, centre for performing arts in Singapore, is featured on the 5-cent coin. The lion-head, a national symbol, is portrayed across all denominations as a common identifying feature of the Third Series coins. The obverse design of the coins bears the Singapore Coat of Arms, a recognised symbol of the legal tender status of Singapore coins. The Third Series coins have larger denomination numerals for ease of identification. Progressive Sizing The Third Series coins are progressively sized by denomination, with the 5- cent coin being the smallest and the 1-dollar coin being the largest. Identifying Features Each denomination of the Third Series features a distinct edge pattern to help the visually impaired differentiate the coins. For example, the 50-cent coin has a noticeable micro-scalloped edge pattern. The surface of the 50-cent coin also has a circle of beads along the rim to enable the public to better differentiate it from the other denominations. The 1-dollar coin has an octagonal frame along the coin rim. Material Multi-ply Plated Steel The Third Series coins are minted on multi-ply plated steel comprising a steel core electroplated with three layers of metals - nickel over copper over nickel for silver-coloured coins; brass over copper over nickel for gold-coloured coins. The coins are generally lighter in weight and produce a lower pitch tone compared to the Second Series coins, when struck against hard objects. KNOW YOUR MONEY 4
Security Features Each denomination of the new series has a customised electromagnetic signature (EMS), which allows vending machines to detect and reject counterfeit or foreign coins. Additional security features on the 1-dollar coin include a bi-metallic composition (outer ring is brass plated and inner circle is nickel plated) and laser mark micro-engraving of the Vanda Miss Joaquim, the national flower of Singapore. KNOW YOUR MONEY 5
3.3 Third Series Coin Specifications Denomination Diameter (mm) Thickness (mm) Weight (g) Surface Plating Shape and Edging (Side Profile) 5-cent 16.75 1.22 1.70 Brass plating Round and plain 10-cent 18.50 1.38 2.36 Nickel plating Round and interrupted milled 20-cent 21.00 1.72 3.85 Nickel plating Round and milled 50-cent 23.00 2.45 6.56 Nickel plating Round and microscalloped 1-dollar 24.65 2.50 7.62 Bi-metallic plating comprising brass plated outer ring and nickel plated inner circle Round and milled KNOW YOUR MONEY 6