Hundreds of great Singapore rare coins from many different sellers can be found for the avid collector. Not only are there complete sets of Singapore coins meant for general circulation, but the small city-nation also issues special collectors’ coins that come in a variety of styles, designs, denominations, and metals. Whether it’s a crisp and nice-condition one-cent coin from a given year, or a high-dollar gold or platinum commemorative piece, Singapore rare coins come in a variety to enhance anyone’s collection.
Collectible Singapore coins are all denominated in the country’s simple-to-understand currency units:
Singapore Currency Units on Coins
1 dollar = 100 cents
These are the units on circulating coins as well as the many silver, gold, and platinum collector and investor coins you see for sale.
Actually, Singapore, nestled at the southern end of peninsular Malaysia, did use coins of other currencies in the past. But these were not coins issued for Singapore exclusively. It wasn’t until 1965 when the city gained independence from Malaysia and became a country that it released its own coins. These first true Singapore rare coins date from 1967.
Singapore Cent Coins
The designs on Singaporean cents coins include natural and infrastructural features found in and around Singapore.
“Cent” in Singaporean Languages:
English: cent
Tamil: சதம் (“catam”)
Chinese: 分 (“fen”)
Malay: sen
Denominations on Singapore Cent Coins
- 1 cent
- 5 cents
- 10 cents
- 20 cents
- 50 cents
Silver Proof Cent Coins
In 1981, silver proofs were issued to collectors for each of the denominations of cent coins. Again in 1985, and every year from that point, silver proof cent coins have been issued. Collectors of Singapore rare coins should consider some (or even a complete set) of these beautiful pieces.
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Singapore 1-Cent Coins
Singapore issued its first one-cent coin in 1967. The design of the 1 cent coin was changed in 1985, and then again (slightly) in 1992.
Singapore 5-Cent Coins
Five-cent coins in Singapore also began in 1967. Buying 5-cent Singapore coins has generally been easy for collectors. There are usually several available of all different types. The coin’s design was changed in 1985 and again in 1992. Proofs, including silver proofs, exist for several years of the five-cent coin’s history. Singapore has issued silver proofs for every year since 1985, as well as a set in 1981.
Singapore 10-Cent Coins
Ten cent coins from Singapore have been in general circulation since 1967 and are generally easy to find in the marketplace. In addition to the regular 10-cent coins there have been frequent proofs (including silver proofs) issued. Silver proofs were, as Wirth other denominations, released in 1981 and then each year beginning in 1985. The 10-cent coin’s design changed in 1985, and a small adjustment was made to the design in 1992.
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Singapore 20-Cent Coins
Singapore’s 20-cent coin too has been issued since 1967. Twenty-cent coins changed their design in 1985, and a small alteration was made again in 1992. These coins are generally easy to find in the marketplace for collectors. The history of 20-cent Singapore rare coins mirrors that of its siblings: Silver proofs were made in 1981, and then Singapore began issuing special silver proof versions of 20-cent coins annually beginning in 1985.
Singapore 50-Cent Coins
Singapore’s highest cent-denominated coin, the 50 cent piece, was first issued in 1967. Examples of these too are easy to find for collectors in today’s marketplace. In addition to the regular-circulation 50 cent coins, silver proof versions have been issued regularly. The first silver proof 50 cent coin was issued by Singapore in 1981; beginning in 1985, Singapore has issued silver proof versions yearly.
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Singapore Rare Dollar Coins
It wasn’t all cents. Singapore also began issuing coins denominated in dollars in 1967. Only one coin valued in dollars – the $1 coin – is widely used for general circulation, though some $5 coins are seen too. The Singapore dollar is often written S$. Singapore coins in higher dollar amounts are generally commemorative issues, and include several silver and gold proof issues for collectors.
Some of the more collectible denominations are only rarely seen in online sales marketplaces. When they are these rarities can be subject to significant attention from buyers and bidders.
“Dollar” in Singaporean Languages:
English: Singapore dollar
Tamil: சிங்கப்பூர் வெள்ளி (“cinkappur velli”)
Chinese: 新加坡元 (“xinjiapo yuan”)
Malay: Dolar Singapura
Denominations on Singapore Dollar Coins
If your collection of Singapore rare coins should include one example of each different denomination, here is the list that you’ll be targeting. Remember that only the $1 is really a circulating coin. The others are meant for collectors only.
Browse 290 current Singapore coins for sale offers here
- $1
- $2
- $5
- $10
- $20
- $25
- $50
- $80
- $100
- $150
- $200
- $250
- $500
About Singapore One-Dollar Coins
Singapore has been issuing one-dollar coins since 1967. Because S$1 coins are the highest-denomination coin commonly seen in general circulation, a $1 coin is a great way to start a new Singapore rare coins collection. Seasoned buyers too will have a lot of choices in online marketplaces.
The design of the dollar coin has changed since its 1967 debut. In 1985, then again in 1987, the size and design were altered. Again in 1992, Singapore changed its dollar coin as part of a general currency-wide design update. The current design shows a periwinkle flower on the reverse, with the Singapore coat of arms on the obverse. Silver proof versions of the coin have been produced yearly since 1975. In 1983, Singapore began issuing periodic gold proof coins with a face value of one dollar. Many of these gold dollar coins are brilliant uncirculated prooflike pieces.
See also: Singapore rare stamps for philatelists and other buyers
Other Singapore Rare Coins: Shapes and Colors
With multiple special commemorative coins issued yearly, and new coins such as multi-colored pieces and scalloped, oval, and other shapes, a Singaporean coin collection can be striking for many different reasons, and Singapore coins are a big focus for many, many collectors the world over.
Good luck with your own Singapore rare coins collection! There are a lot of great collectible pieces in the internet marketplace at any given time and the pieces can be quite beautiful.
