Singapore, 8 August 2003...The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) today launched the 2003 Base Metal Proof Coin Set.

2   The Coin Set is the first base metal proof issue with the flora series coin design (currently in circulation). The last base metal proof coin set issued in 1980 was based on the first series circulation coin design.

3   Minted with mirror-like finishing, the Singapore 2003 Base Metal Proof Coin Set consists of the 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, and $1 coins as well as a 12-sided scallop-edged $5 coin.

4   As coins form an integral part of our nation's heritage, the launch of the Coin Set has been timed to coincide with Singapore's 38th National Day celebrations.

Limited Worldwide Mintage

5   The mintage of the Base Metal Proof Coin Set is limited to 20,000 sets worldwide. Each set comes with a Certificate of Authenticity issued by MAS and is presented in a special box. The Coin Set will be issued on 5 September 2003.

6   The 2003 Base Metal Proof Coin Set will be sold at $48.00 (inclusive of GST).

Special Coin Sets

7   The Singapore Mint has also put together two special coin sets: "A Nation Celebrates" Collectible Set and "A Nation Pays Tribute" Coin Set.

8   "A Nation Celebrates" Collectible Set comprises the 2003 Base Metal Proof Coins and a 2003 National Day 24k Gold-Plated Medallion. The mintage of this Coin Set is limited to 1,000 sets, and the issue price is $88.00 (inclusive of GST).

9   "A Nation Pays Tribute" Coin Set consists of the 2003 Base Metal Proof Coins and a "Tribute to Our Healthcare Givers" 999 Silver Proof Coin. The mintage of the Coin Set is limited to 1,000 sets, and is priced at $148.00 (inclusive of GST).

Details on Sale of Coins

10   Details of the sale and order will be published in the following:

* The Straits Times                   Saturday, 9 August 2003
* Lianhe Zaobao                       Tuesday, 12 August 2003

11   Order forms are available from:

1. The Singapore Mint retail outlets at:
   • The Singapore Mint Coin Gallery
     20 Teban Gardens Crescent
     Singapore 608928
     Tel : 6566 2626
   • Coin City
     Starhub Centre
     51 Cuppage Road #01-07
     Singapore 229469
     Tel : 6339 0886
   • Orchard Showroom
     #B1-18 Orchard MRT Station
     437 Orchard Road
     Singapore 238878
     Tel : 6735 0012
2. MAS office at:
   MAS Currency House
   109 Pasir Panjang Road
   Singapore 118536
   Tel : 6349 4615
3. Internet ordering is available at the following sites: www.mint.com.sg

12   Completed order forms can be submitted to the above outlets or faxed to The Singapore Mint at 6565 2626 or 6567 2626 before 1 September 2003. The Singapore Mint can be contacted at 6566 2626 during office hours.

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