Singapore, 15 October 2008...The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) today launched the 2008 Heritage Orchids of Singapore Coin Set. This is the third set of coins issued in tribute to one of Singapore’s national treasures, orchids. Orchids are a significant feature of Singapore’s heritage and previous orchid coin sets have been popular with collectors.

Coin Design

2   The 2008 Heritage Orchids of Singapore Coin Set consists of two coins featuring Oncidium Goldiana and Aranda Tay Swee Eng.

(i) Oncidium Goldiana -
More commonly known as 'Golden Shower'. It first flowered in 1939 and turned out to be a very successful hybrid that can be found in almost every florist shop throughout the world. It is also known as the 'Dancing Lady' with its tiny yellow flowers shaped like skirted dancing girls.

(ii) Aranda Tay Swee Eng -
 Easily recognisable with its distinct tessellations and well-shaped flowers, this hybrid is a local favourite for cut flowers.  It is also an award winning hybrid with three of its cultivars being accorded the Award of Merit in 1969 and the High Commendation Certificate in 1970 and 1972 by the Orchid Society of South East Asia.

3   The obverse of the coins bears the Singapore Arms with the year-date 2008.

Limited Worldwide Authorised Mintage

4   The coins will be issued in a premium set on Tuesday, 28 October 2008.  The details of the coin set are:

a. 2-in-1 $5 Silver Proof Coin Set
Two pieces of 999 fine silver coins with colour application.  Each coin weighs 20 grammes and has a diameter of 38.70 mm. Mintage of 8,000 sets only.  Each set is accompanied by two certificates of authenticity with the same serial numbers.

b. 2-in-1 ez-link Card Set
Two pieces of ez-link cards featuring the two orchids species.  Mintage of 3,000 sets.

c. $5 Silver Proof Coin and ez-link Card Set
Two pieces of 999 fine silver coins with colour application and two ez-link cards.  Mintage of 1,000 sets (the coins and the ez-link cards are from items (a) and (b) above respectively).

Sale of Coins

5   The coins will be sold by The Singapore Mint.  

6   For enquiries and coin orders, the public can contact The Singapore Mint at 6566 2626 / 6895 0358 / 6895 0364 or via internet at www.singaporemint.com .

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