Yesterday, The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) launched Singapore Native Orchids Coins 2011. The 2011 Native Orchids of Singapore Coins feature two native orchids – Grammatophyllum speciosum and Cymbidium finlaysonianum. Each coin weighs 1 troy ounce, has a face value of SGD$5 and a diameter of 40.70mm. Only 10,000 pieces minted for worldwide distribution and will only be issued on 12 November 2011. These coins are the first in a new series that celebrates the beauty of over 200 species of orchids that once thrived in Singapore. Only a small fraction survive in our forests today.
Each coin boasts a distinctive feature, where it is semi-rimless at the bottom right of the coin. The obverse of the coin bears the Singapore Arms with the year 2011. The coins will be featured at the opening preview of the 20th World Orchid Conference, which will be held in Singapore from 13 to 20 November 2011. The coins can be purchased individually or as a coin set.
a) Native Orchids of Singapore 2-in-1 Coin Set
This coin set comprises two pieces of 999 Fine Silver Proof coins with colour application. Each coin weighs 1 troy ounce, has a face value of $5 and a diameter of 40.70mm. Each set is accompanied by two certificates of authenticity with the same serial number.
b) Grammatophyllum speciosum 999 Fine Silver Proof Colour Coin
This is the world’s largest orchid plant. A fully mature plant can weigh over a ton. It produces inflorescences that can be longer than two metres, bearing over 30 flowers. The flowers are uniquely coloured and resemble the coat of a tiger, hence its common name, Tiger Orchid.
The Tiger Orchid is one of the first native orchid species re-introduced under the Singapore Botanic Garden’s Orchid Conservation Programme.
Specifications:
Issue Date: 12-Nov-2011
Face value: $5
Diameter (mm): 40.70
Weight (g): 62.21
Material: 999 Fine Silver
Mintage: 10,000
c) Cymbidium finlaysonianum 999 Fine Silver Proof Colour Coin
This species produces pendulous inflorescences of flowers that are of an unusual olive colour complemented by an intense purple lip with a yellow tinge. Its narrow leaves are thick and leathery, growing up to 75cm in length and 4cm in width.
This orchid is another example of a native orchid species that has been successfully re-introduced into our urban landscape through the Orchid Conservation Programme.
Specifications:
Issue Date: 12-Nov-2011
Face value: $5
Diameter (mm): 40.70
Weight (g): 62.21
Material: 999 Fine Silver
Mintage: 10,000
Retail Price: S$300.00
The coins will be sold by The Singapore Mint. For enquiries and coin orders, the public can contact The Singapore Mint at 6566 2626 / 6895 0288 / 6222 2486 / 6238 9890 or www.singaporemint.com.
