Native Orchids of Singapore

Colour-minting and pattern-engraving highlight new blooms on ‘Native Orchids of Singapore’ commemorative coins

 

Singapore, 3 July 2013 – The Singapore Mint unveiled the third set of ‘Native Orchids of Singapore’ commemorative coins, issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, to commemorate the reintroduction of Singapore’s native orchids to the environment for everyone to enjoy.

 

Working in close partnership with the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Orchid Conservation Programme, the ‘Native Orchids of Singapore’ commemorative coins are part of The Singapore Mint’s efforts to preserve the beauty of our natural world in the face of the rapid urbanisation of Singapore. Highlighting Singapore’s identity as a Garden City, the orchid blooms featured on the commemorative coins this year are theBulbophyllum flabellum-veneris (an increasingly endangered species in Singapore) and Dendrobium crumenatum (commonly known as the ‘Pigeon Orchid’).

 

The Bulbophyllum flabellum-veneris is a Singapore native orchid and is characterised by its fan-shaped umbel formed by up to 10 flowers. Held at the tip of the rachis, its flowers bloom simultaneously. These individual tiny flowers, which measure 2.5 centimetres long and 8 millimetres across, form a semi-circle cluster. The flowers are yellow with flushed red and purple highlights at the base of the petals. It flowers throughout the year and peaks in bloom during rainy season as it favours warm temperature with abundant moisture.

 

Commonly known as the “Pigeon Orchid” for its strong resemblance to a flying pigeon, the Dendrobium crumenatum grows freely in lowland forest and woodlands. The fragrant, sweet-scented flowers of the orchid typically bloom nine days after heavy rainstorms. Measuring 4 to 5 centimetres across, these white flowers are highlighted with a subtle tint of yellow in the throat. This tropical orchid is one of the most common native orchids that can be seen in Singapore.

 

Similar to the design concept of the earlier issues, the 1oz 999 Fine Silver Proof colour coins are partially rimless towards the right of the coin, further accentuating the splendour of the beautiful blooms in a three-dimensional effect. The iconic design is a hallmark of The Singapore Mint’s excellent craftsmanship and was introduced in the inaugural issue in 2011.

 

This year’s selection of native orchid blooms featured on the commemorative coins required precision and accuracy in the colour-minting and engraving techniques during the production of the coins. The unique techniques applied by The Singapore Mint allowed a true reflection of the colours of the blooms on the coins, mimicking life-like colours of the native orchids. Engravings of the blooms were stretched to the rims of the coins – placing emphasis on the shape and form of the native orchid blooms.

 

Adding to this year’s exceptionally-colourful series are 500 coins which have been specially selected for their superior proof quality standard. Beautifully encased in translucent slab capsules, the 1oz 999 Fine Silver Proof Colour Coin comes with a mint marked security seal for quality assurance – making this year’s set a special collector’s item. The mint marked security seal communicates The Singapore Mint’s consistent standards for high quality, design and innovation in their products. Priced at S$188 each, these specially selected coins may be subjected to balloting upon the closing of order on 26 July 2013.

 

The third issue of ‘Native Orchids of Singapore’ commemorative coins was launched following overwhelming response from avid collectors and members of the public alike for the first two sets in 2011 and 2012 respectively. All three editions of the ‘Native Orchids of Singapore’ commemorative coins are available only in limited sets.