August 15, 2013 – Following the success of the inaugural issue in 2011 and the second issue in 2012, the Monetary Authority of Singapore presents the third issue of the series that celebrates the beauty of over 200 species of orchids that once thrived in Singapore.
The abundant rainfall and heat of Singapore’s tropical climate favours a rich diversity of plant species, including orchids. However, the rapid urbanisation of Singapore has affected the natural habitats and native species. To preserve the beauty of their natural world, the Singapore Botanic Gardens has initiated an Orchid Conservation Programme to cultivate, propagate and re-introduce some of the native orchids back to their environment for all to enjoy.
Singapore / 5 $ / 1oz silver .999 / 62.2g / 40.7mm / Mintage: 10,000 (each coin), 3,000 sets.
Following the success of the inaugural issue in 2011 and the second issue in 2012, the Monetary Authority of Singapore presents on 2nd August 2013 the third issue of the series that celebrates the beauty of over 200 species of orchids that once thrived in Singapore. The 2013 Native Orchids of Singapore Coins feature two splendid blooms with unique charm namely, Bulbophyllum flabellum-veneris and Dendrobium crumenatum. Similar to the design concept of the earlier issues, the 2013 Native Orchids of Singapore coins will be partially rimless at the right side of the coin. This special feature further accentuates the splendour of the beautiful blooms. The iconic design is a hallmark of The Singapore Mint’s excellent craftsmanship and was introduced in the inaugural issue in 2011.
Close-up of an Dendrobium crumenatum growing as an epiphyte in a Hawaiian garden. Photo: Marshman / Eric Guinther http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en
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.
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.
For more information on these coins please visit the website of The Singapore Mint.
At Orchid’s Wiki you will find all information on the two celebrated species Bulbophyllum flabellum-veneris …
… and Dendrobium crumenatum.
In case you happen to visit Singapore and are interested in orchids you must not miss the National Orchid Garden.
And if you want to buy some orchids take a look at the orchid grower’s website Toh Garden.