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 5cent 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