Set of six SG50 commemorative notes unveiled

SINGAPORE — A set of six commemorative currency notes celebrating Singapore’s 50 years of nation building was unveiled by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today (Aug 18). The set comprises a S$50 polymer note and five S$10 polymer notes with various designs.

The S$50 note is coloured gold to reflect the Golden Jubilee and highlight Singapore’s history, transformation, and future. It depicts founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew with his fist raised to rally the crowd with “Merdeka!” in 1959, when Singapore achieved internal self-government.

The S$10 notes have a common front design and five different designs at the back that reflect Singaporean values or aspirations: Regardless of race, language or religion; opportunities for all; safe and secure; strong families; and caring community and active citizenry.

PM Lee said: “The commemorative notes and coins thoughtfully capture some of these significant milestones and core values in beautiful illustrations. I hope Singaporeans will cherish the notes and coins, as well as absorb and express the lessons and values depicted on them.”

The late Mr Yusof Ishak’s portrait graces the front of all the commemorative notes as he was Singapore’s first President and an outstanding member of the pioneer generation, who exemplified enduring Singaporean values of meritocracy, multiracialism and modernisation, Mr Lee said.

The new bills also have security features that are the first of their kind to be used on a currency note, incorporating “image movement” and “colour-switching” effects. 

The commemorative notes — issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) — were designed by four local artists and designers: Mr Chua Mia Tee, Mr Eng Siak Loy, Mr Weng Ziyan, and Mr Fabian Lim.

Mr Lim, 35, who designed the S$50 note, said: “This particular pose of Mr Lee Kuan Yew (shouting “Merdeka!”) was chosen as it has a lot of energy and drive, and is most suited to (represent) the struggles the nation faced in its early years of independence.”

A total of 20 million pieces of the S$50 note and 75 million pieces of the S$10 notes — divided equally among each design — are being printed.

This ensures members of the public will get the opportunity to exchange notes for the SG50 commemorative set, said MAS deputy managing director Andrew Khoo.

The set can also be obtained at face value at nine major retail banks, including DBS/POSB, United Overseas Bank, Citibank and the Bank of China from Thursday to Sept 30 for Singaporeans. Non-Singaporeans will be able to obtain these notes from Oct 1. 

Apart from the commemorative notes, members of the public can also buy an exclusive collection of seven limited-edition SG50 currency sets.

This collection consists of S$50 notes with an SG50 prefix and a vertical serial number in blue, uncut S$10 notes, and commemorative coins and notes. Prices range from S$85 for a $50 single note to S$2,000 for the platinum set, which includes the commemorative coins and notes with identical serial numbers.

Those interested can pre-order these numismatic currency sets at http://www.sgnumismatic.com, or contact Noel Gifts at 6299 1155 from today till Sept 11.