MAS unveils new Singapore Third Series coins

They'll be in circulation by mid-2013.

According to a release, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) that a new coin series will be issued for circulation by the middle of 2013.

The new Singapore Third Series coins will feature five of Singapore’s national icons and landmarks:

• Merlion, a traditional symbol of Singapore;
• Port of Singapore, one of the busiest in the world;
• Changi Airport, one of the best airports in the world;
• Public Housing, home to more than 80 percent of Singaporeans; and
• Esplanade, iconic centre for performing arts in Singapore.

The current Second Series coins were first introduced in 1985 and featured local plants and flowers, depicting Singapore as a garden city.

"Coins reflect the events, persons or symbols significant to a nation. The new series coins depict local icons and landmarks that are familiar to Singaporeans and reflect various aspects of Singapore’s progress as a nation,” said Ravi Menon, Managing Director, MAS.

The new coins are made of multi-ply plated steel and are less costly to produce.

Each coin denomination has an electro-magnetic signature, which allows vending machines to detect counterfeit and foreign coins.

The 1-dollar coin contains additional security features such as its bi-metallic composition and laser mark micro-engraving in the shape of Singapore’s national flower, the
Vanda Miss Joaquim.

The new coins will have larger denomination numerals for easy identification and features to facilitate identification by the visually-impaired.

The coins are progressively sized by denomination, with the 5-cent coin being the smallest and 1-dollar coin being the largest.

Mrs Foo-YapSiew Hong, Assistant Managing Director, said, “The Second Series coins have been in use for more than 25 years. The re will be a period of adjustment as we all get comfortable with the new coins. MAS will continue to work closely with our stakeholders to smoothen the transition.”

All past and current series coins will not be demonetised and the public can continue to use them for payment alongside the new coins.

MAS has been working with public transport operators to ensure that coin-operated machines at MRT/LRT stations are calibrated to accept both the current and new series coins before the launch.

MAS has also been working with businesses with coin-operated facilities such as vending machine operators and supermarkets to prepare them for the launch.