What's up Doc: Singapore launches Year of the Rabbit Chinese almanac coins

500 sets of 3-in-1 coin set which consists of 1 troy ounce 999.9 gold proof coin, 2 troy ounce 999 silver piedfort coloured coin and cupro-nickel proof-like coin is produced as part of the mintage for the individual coins.  

2011 Year of the Rabbit Coins

The coins are part of the third Chinese Almanac Coins Series designed by Mr Xu Yunfei of Shanghai Mint. The image of the rabbit is integrated with ancient Chinese seal characters in a design that combines tradition with modernity. The animal is symbolized by the Chinese characters of the “Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches” to enhance the characteristics of the animal and the oriental flavour. The design incorporates a peony which is a symbol of blessing and festive cheer.

The 2011 $10 Silver Piedfort Proof Coin is minted with special colour application and features the rabbit in full colour. Selected premium sets will include an unique 8-sided floral-shaped ingot featuring a pair of rabbits in springtime. The rabbits are surrounded by a variety of fruits that symbolized a prosperous and abundant Year of the Rabbit.

The obverse of the coin bears the Singapore Arms with the year 2011.

Limited Worldwide Mintage

The coins will be issued on Friday, 31 December 2010. The details of the coins are:

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 3,000 pieces.

e. $25 Silver Proof Coin
Minted in 5 troy ounce of 999 fine silver, this is the largest coin issued by MAS with a diameter of 65 mm. Limited mintage of 250 pieces.

f. $10 Silver Piedford Proof Colour Coin
The Rabbit is featured on this coin 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 coin. Mintage of 20,000 pieces.

g. $2 Silver Proof Coin
20 gm 999 fine silver. Mintage of 6,000 pieces.

h. $2 Cupro-Nickle Proof-like Coin
Proof-like condition. Mintage of 80,000 pieces.

The Lunar Rabbit 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 silver piedfort coloured coin, a cupro-nickel proof-like coin and a floral-shaped ingot. The coins in this set form part of the mintage for the individual coins.

The gold coin in the 3-in-1 coin set is engraved with a serial number matching that of 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 displayed to form the auspicious figure „8‟. Each coin set comes with a serialised certificate of authenticity. The coins in this set form part of the mintage for 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 form part of the mintage for the individual coins. Limited to 3,000 sets.

2011 Uncirculated Coin Set (5¢ to $5)

This set consists of 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1 as well as a $5 scallop-edged coin with a latent image of the year „2011‟ and the MAS logo. The set is presented in an attractive Hongbao pack. Mintage of 60,000 sets.

Sale of Coins

The coins will be sold by The Singapore Mint.

For enquiries and coin orders, the public can contact The Singapore Mint at 6566 2626 / 6339 0886 / 6895 0288 / 6222 2486 ，or via Internet at www.singaporemint.com.

Orders must reach The Singapore Mint by 31 December 2010.