Overview
The Monetary Authority of Singapore
(MAS) will issue a new circulation coin
series by the middle of 2013.
The Third Series coins mark Singapore’s progress as a nation.
Coins are renewed, usually every 20 to 30 years, to update
their designs using icons that the public can better identify with,
and to incorporate new security features to stay ahead of
counterfeiters as public confidence in a country’s currency is of
utmost importance.
The Third Series coin designs feature national icons and
landmarks of our nation, economy and society. The look and
feel of the new coins were developed in consultation with
industry suppliers and special interest groups such as the
Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped. Feedback
from focus groups was also considered.
All past and existing series coins will remain legal tender
and the public can continue to use them for payment alongside
the new coins. The new series coins will be issued at all retail
banks in Singapore and will be accepted by their automated
coin deposit machines.
Coin-operated machines at MRT/LRT stations will be
calibrated to accept both existing and new series coins before
the issuance of the new series coins. MAS has also been
working with businesses with coin-operated facilities such as
vending machine operators and supermarkets to prepare them
for the launch of the new coins. These coin-operated machines
will be calibrated in phases due to technical and cost
considerations.
The Third Series coin designs feature national icons and
landmarks. All denominations will be issued simultaneously by
the middle of 2013 and the new coins will be available at retail
banks. All past and existing coins will remain legal tender and
will be accepted for payment alongside the new coins.
Key Changes
Coin Designs
The new designs feature national icons and landmarks of our nation, economy and
society. The icons are as follows (coin images can be found on the next page):
5-cent
10-cent
20-cent
50-cent
1-dollar
The Esplanade
Public Housing
Changi Airport
The Port of Singapore
The Merlion
Centre for performing arts in Singapore
Home to more than 80% of Singaporeans
One of the best airports in the world
One of the busiest ports in the world
Renowned symbol of Singapore
These icons were selected by the Singapore Note and Coin Advisory Committee as they
are well-known and easily recognised by Singaporeans, young and old, even when
depicted on small surfaces like coins.
The lion-head, a national symbol, is
portrayed across all denominations
as a common identifying feature of
the Third Series coins.
Denomination Numerals
The Third Series coins have larger denomination numerals for ease of identification.
Edge Patterns
Each denomination of the new series features a distinct edge pattern to help the
visually impaired differentiate the coins (edge pattern of each denomination can be found
on the back page).
Key Changes
Sizing
The new series coins are progressively sized by denomination,
in both diameter and thickness, with the 5-cent coin being the
smallest and the 1-dollar coin being the largest. The new
50-cent coin is therefore now smaller than the new 1-dollar
coin.
To help the public transit more smoothly to the new series,
discernible changes were only made to the 50-cent and
1-dollar coins. Three additional features were also added to the
50-cent coin to enable the public, including the visually
impaired, to distinguish it from the 20-cent coin, which is slightly
smaller at a glance or touch.
Differentiating the 50-cent Coin from 20-cent Coin
As the size of the 50-cent coin is not significantly larger than the 20-cent
coin, three additional features have been incorporated to the 50-cent coin
for better differentiation.
The 50-cent coin
• is thicker
• has a micro-scalloped edge pattern
• has a circle of beads along the rim of the coin
Key Changes
Material – Multi-ply Plated Steel
The new 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
nickel-coloured coins; brass over copper over nickel for brass-coloured coins. Multi-ply
plated steel allows for each denomination to have a customised electromagnetic
signature (EMS), achieved by varying the plating thickness of the coins. This enables
vending machines to distinguish the coins from foreign coins of similar size, shape and
weight, and counterfeit coins, more effectively. The coins are generally lighter in weight,
which is helpful for those who need to handle coins in bulk. The coins produce a lower
pitch tone compared to the existing coins, when struck against hard objects.
NICKEL
STEEL CORE
BRASS
NICKEL
COPPER
Bi-metallic 1-dollar Coin
As higher denomination coins are more susceptible to counterfeiting, two
additional anti-counterfeiting visual features have been incorporated to the new
1-dollar coin, i.e. bi-metallic composition (two colours comprising a
brass-plated outer ring and a nickel-plated inner circle) and the laser mark
micro-engraving of the Vanda Miss Joaquim, the national flower of
Singapore. Under magnification,
the laser mark micro-engraving has
a dense micro-pattern of circles.
The bi-metallic 1-dollar coin is
differentiated from other countries’
bi-metallic coins by its octagonal
frame and lion head template.
Retained Features
• The 1-dollar coin retains its octagonal frame
• The Singapore Coat of Arms has been retained on the
obverse of coins
• The colours and sizes of the 5-cent, 10-cent and 20-cent
coins have been kept close to those of the Second Series
How to Detect Counterfeit Coins
Some general indicators that a coin may be a counterfeit
are:
• Milling or edge pattern is uneven, poorly defined and
worn off
• Relief of the design, lettering and characters are not
distinct, sharp or well-defined
• Surface has many pitmarks and appears very porous
• Diameter, thickness and weight are different from
gazetted coin specification
• Orientation of the obverse and reverse design is not
aligned
For the new 1-dollar coin, check for the following visual
features to ensure it is genuine:
• Laser mark engraving of the Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid
shows a dense micro-pattern of circles under magnification
• Bi-metallic composition, i.e. two different metals, instead
of two colours painted on a single piece of metal
If you receive a suspected counterfeit coin, you may contact
MAS (Ms Jaya d/o Chakarapany at 6349 4670,
[email protected], or Mr Thomas Yu at 6349 4615,
[email protected]) for further advice.
Dealing with Mutilated Coins
Businesses may contact MAS (Ms Jaya d/o Chakarapany at
6349 4670, [email protected], or Mr Thomas Yu at
6349 4615, [email protected]) for further advice. The
award of value is dependent on the condition of the
mutilated coin.
Informational Materials
The following informational materials on the Third Series
coins are also available:
• Micro-site (http://www.mas.gov.sg/newcoins)
• Educational video, posters and brochures
- video and brochures are available in all four official
languages
- available on the micro-site
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will the existing coins be demonetised?
All past and existing series coins will not be demonetised and can be accepted for
payment alongside the Third Series coins. Both the Second and Third Series coins are
legal tender under the Currency Act and businesses are required to accept them as
payments.
2. When will the Third Series coins be issued?
The Third Series coins will be issued by the middle of 2013 and are expected to be
phased in over four years. Businesses are advised to adapt their processes, systems
and machines for the new coins by end April. MAS has engaged key machine
suppliers and coin machine operators to prepare them ahead of the issuance of the
new coins.
3. Where can I obtain the Third Series coins and deposit my Second Series coins?
The Third Series coins will be available at retail banks in Singapore. The usual
withdrawal fees apply. The public and businesses can deposit their Second Series
coins at retail banks in Singapore or at coin deposit machines (available at DBS/POSB
branches and the Singapore Mint). Businesses may also deposit them in bulk at the
Singapore Mint. Deposits are subject to the usual deposit fees.
4. Where can I purchase the Third Series Commemorative coins?
The Third Series Commemorative coins will be sold by The Singapore Mint. For
enquiries and coin orders, the public can contact The Singapore Mint at 6566 2626 /
6222 2486 / 6238 9890 / 6895 0288 / 6895 0358, or www.singaporemint.com.
5. How do I request for hardcopies of the informational materials on the Third
Series coins?
The informational materials such as brochures, video, and usage guides are available
from the Third Series micro-site at www.mas.gov.sg/newcoins. Alternatively, please
contact Mr Ho Jian Hao at 6349 4607, [email protected], if you require DVDs of the
video or hard copies of the other materials. You may also submit a request through the
feedback form on the Third Series micro-site at www.mas.gov.sg/newcoins.
6. How do I request for coin samples to test the calibration of my coin-operated
machines?
You may contact Mr Tan Yeow Kwang at 6349 4681, [email protected].
Alternatively, you may submit your request through the feedback form on the Third
Series micro-site at www.mas.gov.sg/newcoins.
Third Series Coin Specifications
Denomination
Diameter
Thickness
Weight
Surface plating
Shape and edging
(Side profile)
5-cent
16.75 mm
1.22 mm
1.70 g
Brass plating
Round and plain
10-cent
18.50 mm
1.38 mm
2.36 g
Nickel plating
Round and
interrupted milled
20-cent
21.00 mm
1.72 mm
3.85 g
Nickel plating
Round and milled
50-cent
23.00 mm
2.45 mm
6.56 g
Nickel plating
Round and
micro-scalloped
1-dollar
24.65 mm
2.50 mm
7.62 g
Bi-metallic plating
comprising brass
plated outer ring
and nickel plated
inner circle
Round and milled
For more information,
please visit www.mas.gov.sg/newcoins
Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
10 Shenton Way
MAS Building
Singapore 079117
Tel: (65) 6225 5577
Fax: (65) 6229 9229
Email: [email protected]