The unveiling of the Lew Kuan Yew commemorative coins this year made many curious to find out more about commemorative coins and how to purchase the coins.
The coin collector community in Singapore has been consistent throughout the years, partly thanks to the establishment of the Singapore Mint in 1968. After five consistent decades of minting coins for collectors locally and abroad, it has certainly entrenched itself as the provider of legitimate and credible coins of value.
We explore the history of the country’s commemorative coin industry and picked out 14 commemorative coins that mark Singapore’s growth and heritage.
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The Singapore Mint
Image Credit: Singapore Mint
Established in 1968, the Singapore Mint started as a basic minting facility that made circulation coins for the country. Over half a century, it has evolved into an enterprise that produces commemorative coins and medallions for both local and international markets.
The first numismatic coin was issued in 1969 for the 150th anniversary of the founding of modern Singapore. Since then, numismatic coins struck in platinum, gold, silver and cupro-nickel have been issued in limited mintages. Explore the past issues.
#1 150th Anniversary of the Founding of Singapore (1969)
The $150 gold coin to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding of modern Singapore was the first numismatic coin issued.
It features the Raffles Lighthouse and is weighed 24.88 grams. Its fineness is 916 and it is worth a whopping $2,252.40 (including GST) today.
If you happen to have collected a piece of this history, note that the buyback price is $1,803.49.
Image Credit: Gold Silver Central
Comparing cost to cost and not including inflation over the years, the value of the coin has risen by 1500%.
Cost of coin: S$151.50
Value of coin today: $2,252.40 (Including GST)
Buyback price of coin today: $1,803.49.
#2 7th SEAP Games & Official Opening of the National Stadium (1973)
To commemorate the seventh South East Asia Peninsula (SEAP) Games and the official opening of Singapore’s national stadium in 1973, about 265,000 coins were issued, in denominations of $5 but at issue prices of $6 (silver), $15 (silver PNC), and $20 (silver proof).
The national stadium is an iconic location in many Singaporeans’ minds, having watched national day parades or soccer matches at the place. The six rings above the stadium represent the six founding member nations of the SEAP games.
The coins can be found on Carousell, with many sellers selling their wares online. You used to be able to find such finds at the Thieves market, which is no longer around. Some sellers are selling them in mint condition (with packaging) and some coins are tarnished but still sold. The pricing is from $10 to $60.
Image Credit: Numista
Cost of coin: $6 (silver), $15 (silver PNC), and $20 (silver proof)
Value of coin today: $10 to $60, depending on material and condition
Buyback price of coin today: Open market rates that are similar to current valued price
#3 10th Anniversary of Singapore’s Independence (1975)
This was minted to celebrate Singapore’s 10 year anniversary since independence. The reverse of the coin is a picture of the Singapore Lion. There are different versions of the coins minted, from $10 to $500 gold-proof coins. The issue quantity differed according to the face value of the coin.
A check on Bullion Star revealed that the price of a good condition 31.1 grams Gold Coin is currently sold at $3,288.08.
Image Credit: Bullion Star
Meanwhile, a search on Carousell provided more than 30 results of the same design of the coin in different conditions and values. The $100 Gold Proof Coin is sold at $700, which is seven times the value of its cost price.
It also appeared that the coins were sold as a set, and are now priced at $5,000. The set has a face value of $500, $250, and $100.
Cost of coin: From $10.30 to $850
Value of coin today: From $50 to $5,000
Buyback price of coin today: Open market rates
#4 Official Opening of Singapore Changi Airport (1981)
The coins were issued to commemorate the official opening of Changi Airport on 29 December 1981. They are also issued in Silver Proof. A total of 240,000 coins were issued. The coins weigh 17 grams for the Cupro-Nickel versions, with a diameter of 33.5 mm and 2 mm thickness.
The coins seem to be quite hard to find online, it could be that the interest in Changi Airport being an internationally known airport has attracted many overseas collectors too, not forgetting aviation enthusiasts.
There was a Nickel coin found to be sold for US$40 on ebay.com, which adds up to seven times the cost price of $6.00.
Image Credit: Numista
Cost of coin: $6 for Nickel Coin version; Silver Coin version $45
Value of coin today: $45 for Nickel Coin; Silver Coin version NA
Buyback price of coin today: Open market rates, seller rates
#5 30th Anniversary of Singapore’s Independence (1995)
Singapore celebrated its 30th anniversary in 1995 and with that came memorabilia, including coins minted for the occasion. There were 28,000 coins issued, and some were Cupro Nickel while others were Silver Proof materials. The weight of silver coin weighs 20 grams and is 38.7 mm in diameter and 2.45 mm in thickness.
The coins have an emblem with a date underneath and Singapore on four sides in English, Tamil, Chinese, and Malay, very similar to the legal tender coins we use on a daily basis. On the reverse is an independence motif that says Serving The World and Thirty Years Of Independence.
The Cupro-Nickel coins can be searched online, with pricing from $20 to $50, depending on condition. You might have to search thoroughly to find Silver Proof versions which are rarer.
Image Credit: Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
Cost of coin: $13.99 for Cupro-Nickel Coin version; Silver Coin version $54.99
Value of coin today: $20 to $50 for Cupro-Nickel Coin; Silver Coin version NA
Buyback price of coin today: Open market rates, seller rates
#6 SIA 50th Anniversary (1997)
One thing Singapore is proud of, is its national carrier Singapore Airlines. This is clearly seen as well when the airline celebrated its 50th anniversary and more than 30,000 coins were issued, from Cupro-Nickel versions to Gold Proof as well as coin sets.
The costliest would be the coin sets, which were sold at $1,600 for a three-in-one set, and 888 sets were issued. The lowest denomination is the $5 Cupro Nickel coins, with 24,688 issued, at the issue price of $15.
Image Credit: Numista
Three-in-one coin sets are found to be sold for $4,000, while the $5 Cupro-Nickel coins in mint condition are found to be sold for more than $35.
Cost of coin: From $15 to $1,600, depending on denomination and version
Value of coin today: From $35 to more than $4,000
Buyback price of coin today: Open market rates, seller rates
#7 Official Opening of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay (2002)
A smaller issuance of coins was made to celebrate the official opening of Esplanade, Singapore’s iconic theatre. There are only limited versions found online, and according to Numista, the coins are rare, at a rating of 100, with 0 being commonly found.
The obverse is Singapore’s emblem with the date and Singapore on four sides in the four national languages. The reverse is of the Esplanade motif.
A Silver Coin (.999) weighs 20 grams with a diameter of 38.7 mm and thickness of 2.30 mm.
Image Credit: Numista
Cost of coin: From $19 to $128
Value of coin today: NA
Buyback price of coin today: Rare collector’s item, should head to legitimate retail sellers for verification.
#8 Singapore 40 Years of Independence (2005)
The commemorative coins celebrate Singapore’s nation-building, the indomitable spirit of our citizens to strive for success despite tough challenges, and our unity as a multi-racial society.
It is a milestone for the nation, as it should be. The coin design features the official National Day Parade (NDP) 2005 logo representing a nation’s aspirations and confidence as Singaporeans shape their future together. This was the first time that the NDP logo is featured on a Singapore commemorative coin.
The obverse of the coin bears the Singapore Arms with the year date 2005.
The coins are rare and hard to be found online, with a rarity index of 95 on Numista for the $2 Silver Proof version.
Image Credit: Carousell
Cost of coin: From $16 to $399
Value of coin today: NA
Buyback price of coin today: Rare collector’s item, should head to legitimate retail sellers for verification.
#9 Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 (2008)
The coin features the airport’s “Green Wall”, a 5-storey high vertical garden spanning 300 metres across the main building, covered with climbing plants and cascading waterfalls. Also depicted is the unique roof with 919 skylights fitted with an intelligent system of reflector panels.
The obverse of the coins bears the Singapore Arms with the year date 2008.
Again, these coins are hard to source, given the limited quantities that were released. They have a rarity index of 95 on Numista.
Image Credit: MAS
Cost of coin: From $26 to $119
Value of coin today: NA
Buyback price of coin today: Rare collector’s item, should head to legitimate retail sellers for verification.
#10 Formula 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix (2008)
Another rare series that were scooped up among local and international collectors.
The Singapore event was the first night race in F1 history and the first street race in Asia. The coin design captures the spectacular mood of dazzling lights and vibrancy of the night race and landmarks in the Marina area that forms part of the street circuit.
Also featured on the coin are the two most recognisable icons in auto racing, namely, an F1 car at full throttle and the winning chequered flag. The obverse of the coins bears the Singapore Arms with the year date 2008.
The $50 coin version has a rarity index of 97 on Numista and a rarity index of 100 for the $100 coin version. You may still be able to find some rare pieces floating on the internet by overseas sellers, but be prepared to pay more for them.
Image Credit: Carousell
Cost of coin: From $47 to $1,245
Value of coin today: NA
Buyback price of coin today: Rare collector’s item, should head to legitimate retail sellers for verification.
#11 2010: 50 Years of Public Housing
The design reflects the transition of Singapore’s housing landscape over the past 50 years, from slums and squatter housing to high-rise living in vibrant and sustainable towns. The backdrop features three residential blocks, one in stylised rendition to symbolize the future. In the foreground are four children from the main ethnic races, representing racial harmony. The celebratory mood is conveyed through the use of vibrant colours and stylised fireworks.
The obverse of the coin bears the Singapore Arms with the year-date 2010.
These coins are also difficult to be found online, given the limited quantities issued.
Image Credit: MAS
Cost of coin: From $28.80 to $800
Value of coin today: NA
Buyback price of coin today: Rare collector’s item, should head to legitimate retail sellers for verification.
#12 2010: The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games
The $2 Bi-Metal Brilliant Uncirculated Coin features the striking symbol of the Singapore 2010 emblem on the Aluminium-Bronze core. Two youthful Singapore 2010 mascots, Lyo and Merly, and the distinctive Olympic rings are also featured in vibrant colours.
The $5 Silver Proof-Like Coin features the symbol of the Singapore 2010 emblem and the Olympic rings at the centre flanked by two mascots in vibrant colours. On the lower circumference is a crescent-shaped hologram featuring repeated patterns of the iconic Singapore lion head. The coin will be sold by itself or in a set framed by four pieces of medallions in coloured finish that feature sports pictograms with local orchids at the rim.
The Gold Proof coin (999.9 fine gold) is found selling at $1,306 on the Singapore Mint. The $10 Gold Proof-Like Coin features the symbol of the Singapore 2010 emblem and the Olympic rings, which are encircled by spiralling fire and water imagery of Singapore 2010.
You can also find a coin set sold on Singapore Mint, at $298. Although it is a different version, each set comprises of 1pc 999 Fine Silver Proof-Like Colour Coin with a Dynamic Hologram Effect and 4 silver-plated medallions with a special coloured finish that provides an iridescent showcase of the orchids of Singapore.
Image Credit: MAS
Cost of coin: From $29 to $850
Value of coin today: Gold Proof Coin sold for $1,306
Buyback price of coin today: Likely to follow current retail rates as there are still coins sold by the original retailer.
#13 Singapore 50 (SG50) (2015)
2015 marked Singapore’s 50th year of independence. To mark this major milestone in the nation’s journey, the MAS launched a series of three commemorative coins. The series comprises a $2 cupro-nickel coin, a $5 silver coin and a $50 gold coin.
The coins are themed ‘Education, Building Our Nation Together’, reflecting the fundamental role that Education has played in the transformation of a young nation.
Singapore’s multi-racial diversity is depicted in all three designs. The obverse of the coins bears the Singapore Coat of Arms with the year 2015.
The coins are a popular batch, given that they were minted to celebrate Singapore’s 50 years. But as they are not as vintage, you may still be able to find some of them sold on online marketplaces and retailers.
Image Credit: MAS
Cost of coin: From $28 to $1,100
Value of coin today: From $35 to $3,380
#14 Lee Kuan Yew Commemorative Coin (2023)
Minted in aluminium bronze, the Lee Kwan Yew commemorative gold-colour coins will be available at a face value of $10. The coins mark the 100th birth anniversary of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. The late Mr Lee, who also co-founded the ruling People’s Action Party, was born on September 16, 1923. He died on March 23, 2015, at the age of 91.
The coins will have a diameter of 30mm, making them about 22% larger than the Third Series S$1 coins currently in circulation.
Image Credit: MAS
Image Credit: MAS
The coin pays tribute to Mr Lee’s strategic vision, boldness and indomitable spirit that transformed Singapore from a regional trading port to a global manufacturing, business and financial hub, creating opportunities for all Singaporeans. In addition to the Singapore Coat of Arms, the front of the coin features Mr Lee’s name, his years of birth and death, the words “100th Birth Anniversary” and a dual latent image.
- The LKY100 coin is gold in colour, minted in aluminium bronze, with a diameter of 30mm.
- The design features a portrait of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, accompanied in the foreground by the Marina Barrage, representing Mr Lee’s vision to build a freshwater reservoir in the city, strengthening Singapore’s water resilience.
- The backdrop is the skyline of the Raffles Place financial district, and two heritage buildings that have witnessed significant milestones in Singapore’s history – Fullerton Hotel (formerly the Fullerton Building/General Post Office) and National Gallery Singapore (formerly the Supreme Court and City Hall).
- On the other side of the coin, below the Singapore Coat of Arms, a dual latent image features Mr Lee’s birth year ‘1923’ viewed from one angle, and his 100th birth anniversary ‘2023’ viewed from another.
- Yes, the coins are legal tender, and can be used to pay for goods and services in Singapore.
Only Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents can apply for the coins, and each applicant can apply for up to five coins.
The number of coins to be minted will be determined after applications close, MAS said.
Successful applicants will receive SMS notifications from mid-August, and the coins will be available for collection from September.
Cost of coin: $10
Value of coin today: $10
Buyback price of coin today: Make a reservation online here, subject to availability, terms and conditions.
Market Value of Commemorative and Numismatic Currencies And Redeeming Them At Face Value
The market value of commemorative and numismatic currencies is determined based on the following factors:
- Their condition
- Their theme
- Their rarity
- The uniqueness of design
- The demand and supply among collectors
- (For coins) The metal composition
As the currency-issuing authority, MAS does not participate in secondary market transactions of commemorative currencies. For a legitimate verification, you may approach coin and banknote dealers or the Singapore Mint to find out the market value of your commemorative and numismatic currency.
If you wish to redeem the face value of your commemorative and numismatic coins, you may approach either of the following organisations:
- Certis CISCO Secure Logistics Pte Ltd (CSL), MAS’ appointed Circulation Coins Operator and Manager (CCOM).
The face value of the coins will be credited to your designated bank account in Singapore via bank transfer. If you do not have a Singapore bank account, the amount will be converted into your preferred currency and credited to your foreign account after deducting the applicable bank charges. - The Singapore Mint, MAS’ appointed numismatic coin contractor.
Featured Image Credit: Gold Silver Central, Numista, MAS
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