History Of Singapore's Currency

All over the world, every country has its own currency. Below are some examples:

The orchid series which was issued between 1967-1976, has nine denominations. This first series of currency notes, has a spray of orchid in the centre of the front of each note. On the back of each note is a scene of Singapore.

The bird series also has nine denominations. It was the first series that included a $20 note.The $20 note was to replace the $25 note from the orchid series. The birds shown on the notes are noted for their strength, adaptability and independence which characterize the young Republic of Singapore with the potential of soaring to greater heights in its progress. Each note has a security thread embedded vertically across it. It was issued between 1976-1984.


The Ship series also has nine denominations. The denominations are similar except that the previous $20 note was discontinued and a new denomination of $2 note was introduced. The pictures are based on the modern development of Singapore. The series starts with the merchant maritime craft of olden days. The series shows the contribution of merchant shipping to the development of Singapore from an entrepot trading centre to the busiest port in the world. On the front centre panel are creatures from Chinese mythology printed in colour lithographic offset prints. Each note has a security thread embedded vertically across it. The orchid featured on the back of all the Ship series notes is the national flower of Singapore, Vanda Miss Joaquim. It was issued between 1984 - 1999.

The Portrait series only has seven denominations. The Portrait series has to strike a balance between simplicity and clarity in design on one hand and sophistication in security features on the other. At the same time the public-recognition security features must be effective and easy for users to recognise and remember. To help meet these requirements, a standard designing approach was adopted across all denominations of the Portrait series. The portrait series was issued from 1999 until now. I like this series most of all. Mummy says she also likes this series most because they are very colourful. She also likes the new polymer notes that feel like plastic.

For more information, go to the MAS website. I especially liked the section on "Distinguishing Counterfeit Notes".

Click on any of the words MAS to go to the MAS website.