October 3, 2013 – The Singapore Mint has launched two unique collections namely the “Giant Pandas 1oz 999 Fine Silver Proof Minted Stamp Ingot with Colour” and the “2014 Macau Lunar Horse Coins”. The collections highlight the rare giant panda and warm, vigorous horse respectively – bringing these animals to “life” through The Singapore Mint’s expertise in precision and colour minting techniques.
The Giant Pandas Silver Minted Stamp collection is released to commemorate the first anniversary stay of the adorable giant pandas, Kai Kai and Jia Jia, in Singapore. The giant pandas began their 10-year stay in Singapore when they arrived from China in September 2012 to huge fanfare. As they make Singapore their new home, the giant pandas have endeared themselves to visitors and continue to receive overwhelming response. The new Giant Pandas Silver Minted Stamp collection is a replica of the S$2 stamp from the Singapore “Giant Pandas” stamp issue in 2012.
Singapore / 2 $ / Giant Pandas 1oz 999 Fine Silver Proof Minted Stamp Ingot / 1oz .999 silver / 29.85mm x 55.80mm / Mintage: 5,000.
Launched in commemoration of Kai Kai and Jia Jia’s first year since their move to Singapore in 2012, the Giant Pandas Silver Minted Stamp demonstrates The Singapore Mint’s forte in precision and colour minting techniques.
The obverse of the stamp depicts an adorable illustration of Kai Kai, also affectionately known as “Onion Head” for the presence of a small tuft of fur on his head, playing with Jia Jia, who loves to climb trees.
The intricate relief of the tree with sandblasting, the dash of vivid green grass, and watermarked bamboos in the distant background adds another dimension to the playfulness of the two adorable pandas.
The smooth and mirror-polished stamp perforated edges from The Singapore Mint’s perfected diamond cutting techniques adds to the value and collectability of the silver minted stamp, which is exquisitely impressive at 2.5 mm thin.
Macau / 20 Macao-Pataca / 1oz 999 silver / 40.70mm.
Issued by the Monetary Authority of Macau, the 2014 Macau Lunar Horse Coins are launched to revel in the arrival of the Year of the Horse. The Macau Lunar Horse Coins are the seventh series in the Macau Lunar coin collection (2008-2019), exclusively minted and marketed by The Singapore Mint. The imposing yet warm animal takes centre stage in 2014 Macau Lunar Coin Series in an awe-inspiring pose rearing on its hind legs that illustrates a burst of vigour and optimism, and accompanied by a cascade of alluring fully-bloomed camellia flowers in a variety of vibrant colours.
Macau / 100 Macao-Pataca / 5oz 999 silver / 65.00mm.
The seventh in the Macau Lunar coin collection, the 2014 Macau Lunar Horse Coins are presented in a variety of bright, vivid colours ranging from red, green and purple – once again highlighting The Singapore Mint’s expertise in precision and colour minting techniques.
The Singapore Mint’s technical expertise illustrated in the Macau Lunar coin collection is recognised globally when its Macau Lunar Rabbit 1oz Silver Coin was awarded the special mention of the “Vicenza Palladio” International Prize for the finest coin minted in 2011. The award recognised the coin’s architectural representation, depicted through the perfect perspective representation of the façade of the Dom Pedro V theatre, highlighted by the proof background.
Prior to that, The Singapore Mint’s Macau Lunar Tiger 1oz Silver Coin was also awarded the “Vicenza Palladio” International Prize, special mention for the finest coin minted in 2010. The originality depicted in the architectural representation of the typical oriental style that is the Mandarin’s House – one of the 12 selected heritage sites in Macau – led to The Singapore Mint’s receipt of the award for the first time.
The precision and true architectural representation in the Macau Lunar coin series are clearly collectors’ favourites – the 1oz and 5oz silver coins for the past six editions since the inaugural collection in 2008 have all sold out to avid collectors, investors, and members of the public alike.
Macau / 250 Macao-Pataca / 1/4oz 999.9 gold / 21.96mm.
The 2014 Macau Lunar Horse Coins feature the carvings of Guia Fortress – currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Centre of Macau and a popular tourist attraction in Macau – in commemoration of the city state’s maritime, military and missionary past. The fortress, which comprises the Guia Chapel and Guia Lighthouse, is an architectural representation of both western and Chinese themes, with motif displays of religious and mythological inspiration that depict Macau’s multicultural heritage.
The seventh issue of the Macau Lunar coin collection follows overwhelming response from investors and collectors, and members of the public for the past six editions. This year’s collection would feature the Macau Lunar Horse coins in different designs, weightage, and material – the Macau Lunar Horse 1oz 999 Fine Silver Colour Coin; Macau Lunar Horse 5oz 999 Fine Silver Colour Coin; and Macau Lunar Horse 1/4oz 999.9 Fine Gold Colour Coin.
For more information on these coins please go to the website of The Singapore Mint.
Macau Heritage presents the Guia Fortress.