Singapore, 23 November 2007...The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) today launched the 2008 Year of the Rat Almanac Coins and the 2008 Uncirculated Coin Set (5-cent to $5). 

2008 Year of the Rat Coins

2   The coins are part of the third Chinese Almanac Coins Series designed by Mr Xu Yunfei of Shanghai Mint. The image of the rat is integrated with ancient Chinese seal characters in a design that combines tradition with modernity. The animal is symbolised 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. 

3   The 2008 $10 Silver Piedfort Proof Coin is minted with special colour application and features the rat in full colour. Selected premium sets will include a unique 8-sided floral-shaped ingot featuring a family of rats playing among auspicious fruits like grapes, peaches and pineapples to signify an abundant harvest. 

4   The obverse of the coin bears the Singapore Arms with the year 2008.

Limited Worldwide Mintage
5   The coins will be issued on Friday, 4 January 2008. The details of the coins are:

a. $200 Gold Proof Coin 
5 troy ounce of 999.9 fine gold with diameter of 60 mm. Very 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 (please see picture below '$1 Gold 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. The coin is intricately minted and finely embedded in an exquisite card featuring a family of rats with auspicious words “灵鼠捧桃兆丰年”.  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. Very low mintage of 250 pieces.

f. $10 Silver Piedfort Proof Colour Coin 
The Rat is featured on this coin in full colour, with a peony incorporated on its body. It is minted with double the thickness of an ordinary coin. 2 troy ounce of 999 fine silver. Mintage of 20,000 pieces. 

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

h. $2 Cupro-Nickel Proof-like Coin
Proof-like condition and mintage is based on demand.

6   The Lunar Rat 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 gold coin in the 3-in-1 coin set is engraved with a serial number matching that of the accompanying certificate of authenticity. Only 500 sets would be sold.  

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. Only 88 sets are available. 
 
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. Limited to 3,000 sets only.

2008 Uncirculated Coin Set (5¢ to $5)

7   This consists of 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1 as well as a $5 scallop-edged coin with a latent image of the year ‘2008’ and the MAS logo.  The set is presented in an attractive Hongbao pack featuring a lively golden rat with colourful spring flowers and an auspicious Chinese blessing, "金鼠迎春，四季丰润".

Sale of Coins

8   The coins will be sold by The Singapore Mint.

9   For enquiries and coin orders, the public can contact The Singapore Mint at 6895 0399 / 6566 2626 / 6895 0376 / 6895 0356 / 6895 0288, or via Internet at www.singaporemint.com .

10   Orders must reach The Singapore Mint by 23 December 2007.

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