The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) today launched the 2016 Year of the Monkey Almanac Coins, 2016 Uncirculated Coin Set and the Third Almanac Series Puzzle Coin Set. These coins will be issued on 1 January 2016.
The coins are part of the third Chinese Almanac coin series. The monkey illustrated on the coin has a playful and curious disposition. The peony, a traditional Chinese symbol of blessings and festive cheer, is featured on the body of the monkey. The monkey holds a peach, symbolising longevity.
The coins will be available in nine versions, including a 1 kg coin made of 999 fine silver, which is the largest silver coin in Singapore. Selected premium sets will include a unique 8-sided floral-shaped ingot featuring a family of monkeys.
Following the successful issuance of the first and second Chinese Almanac puzzle coin sets in January 2014 and 2015, the 2016 Chinese Almanac puzzle coin set will also feature a centre piece surrounded by the 12 coins, each depicting the design of the animals in the third Chinese Almanac series. The animals are featured against a background of Chinese characters representing the respective year of the animal in the Chinese lunar calendar. The centre piece features a local orchid hybrid, created in celebration of Singapore’s Jubilee - Papilionanthe Singapore Golden Jubilee, in vibrant colours.
The details of the coins are as follows:
a. $200 Gold Proof Coin
5 troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold with diameter of 60 mm. Limited mintage of 200 pieces.
b. $100 Gold Proof Coin
1 troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold. Mintage of 2,000 pieces.
c. $5 Gold Proof Coin
¼ troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold. Mintage of 2,000 pieces.
d. $1 Gold Brilliant Uncirculated Coin
With a diameter of only 7 mm and weighing only 0.3 gm, it is the smallest 999.9 gold coin issued by MAS. Mintage of 10,000 pieces.
e. $80 Silver Proof-like Coin
Minted in 1 kg of 999 fine silver, this is the largest coin issued by MAS with a diameter of 100 mm. Limited mintage of 500 pieces.
f. $25 Silver Proof Coin
5 troy ounce of 999 fine silver with diameter of 65 mm. Limited mintage of 250 pieces.
g. $10 Silver Piedford Proof Colour Coin
The monkey is featured in full colour, with a peony incorporated on its body. It is minted in 2 troy ounce of 999 fine silver with twice the thickness of an ordinary circulation coin. Mintage of 20,000 pieces.
h. $2 Silver Proof Coin
20 gm 999 fine silver. Mintage of 10,000 pieces.
i. $2 Cupro-Nickel Proof-like Coin
20 gm of Cupro-Nickel alloy in proof-like condition. Mintage of 80,000 pieces.
The Lunar Monkey Coins are also available in premium sets:
a. 3-in-1 Coin Set
Consists of a 1 troy ounce 999.9 fine gold proof coin, a 2 troy ounce 999 fine silver piedfort proof coloured coin, a cupro-nickel proof-like coin and a floral-shaped ingot. The coins in this set are from the mintage of the individual coins.
The gold coin in the 3-in-1 coin set is engraved with a serial number that matches the accompanying certificate of authenticity. Limited to 500 sets.
b. 5 Troy Ounce Lunar Series Coin Set
Consists of a 5 troy ounce 999.9 fine gold proof coin and a 5 troy ounce 999 fine silver proof coin. They are positioned to form the auspicious figure ‘8’. Each coin set comes with a serialised certificate of authenticity. The coins in this set are from the mintage of the individual coins. Limited to 88 sets.
c. 2-in-1 Coin Set
Consists of a 2 troy ounce 999 fine silver piedfort proof coin, a cupro-nickel proof-like coin and a floral-shaped ingot. The coins in this set are from the mintage of the individual coins. Limited to 3,000 sets.
2016 Uncirculated Coin Set (5¢ to $5)
This set consists of five denominations of the third series circulation coins i.e. 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢ and $1, as well as a $5 scallop-shaped coin with a latent image of the year ‘2016’ and the MAS logo. The set is presented in an attractive Hongbao pack. Limited to 60,000 sets.
Third Almanac Series Puzzle Coin Set
This set comprises a 2 troy ounce of 999 fine silver proof-like coin in the centre, surrounded by 12 pieces of ½ troy ounce 999 fine silver proof-like coins. The coins are joined together using a 3-way interlocking concept to form a circle. Limited to 2,000 sets.
The coins will be sold by The Singapore Mint. For enquiries and orders, the public can contact The Singapore Mint at 6566 2626 / 6895 0288 / 6222 2486 / 6336 2878 / 6532 0301 or via the internet at www.singaporemint.com.
Orders must reach The Singapore Mint by 15 December 2015.
