Imagine holding a 1971 Singapore "fish coin" - the nation's first maritime-themed 1-cent piece. These coins aren't just currency; they're cultural time capsules. Let's explore Singapore's unique numismatic identity.
Singapore coins are officially called "Singapore dollar coins1" (SGD) with denominations in cents. Locals often use Hokkien terms like "kopi lui" (coffee money) for small change. The Monetary Authority of Singapore2 (MAS) issues 5 coin types today, blending practical use with heritage storytelling.
While cashless payments dominate hawker centers, coins remain vital for precise transactions. Last month, MAS released new security-enhanced $1 coins - proof that metallic currency still matters. Now, let's decode Singapore's coin ecosystem.
What coins are used in Singapore?
Singapore's coin system combines efficiency with artistic expression. Unlike bulkier coin sets elsewhere, MAS maintains a lean 5-denomination system for daily practicality.
Current Singapore coins include 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, and $1 denominations. All feature the Singapore Coat of Arms on the reverse and floral designs representing ethnic harmony on the obverse.
Key Characteristics of Modern SGD Coins
| Denomination | Material | Diameter | Edge Design | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5¢ | Nickel-plated steel | 16.75mm | Plain | 2013 |
| 10¢ | Nickel-plated steel | 18.75mm | Milled | 2013 |
| 20¢ | Nickel-plated steel | 21.00mm | Interrupted milling | 2013 |
| 50¢ | Nickel-plated steel | 23.00mm | Segmented milling | 2013 |
| $1 | Brass-plated steel | 22.40mm | Lettering "MAS" | 2013 |
Three reasons drive MAS's material choices:
- Durability: Nickel/brass plating resists tropical humidity
- Cost efficiency: Steel base keeps production costs low
- Security: Unique edge patterns help vending machines detect counterfeits
Does Singapore still use coins?
Despite being a fintech leader, Singapore maintains strategic coin usage. MAS data shows 320 million coins circulated in 2023 - 40% lower than 2013, but still essential for specific sectors.
Yes, Singapore actively uses coins. The 2023 National Payment Survey revealed 62% of seniors and 89% of hawker stalls still prefer coins for small transactions under $5.
Where Coins Remain Irreplaceable
- Public transportation: Coin-operated ticket machines at select MRT stations
- Religious offerings: Temple donation boxes and joss paper purchases
- Precision pricing: Medical co-payments exact to the cent
- Collector markets: Limited edition NDP coins sell out within hours
The new $1 coin's dual-ring bi-metallic design (launched 2023) demonstrates Singapore's commitment to modernizing physical currency rather than eliminating it.
What currency is used at Singapore?
Singapore's currency system balances global integration with local needs. As a financial hub, it supports multiple payment forms while maintaining sovereign currency control.
Singapore uses the Singapore dollar (SGD, S$), divided into 100 cents. Banknotes ($2-$10,000) and coins (5¢-$1) coexist with digital payment systems like PayNow.
Currency Usage Breakdown (2024 MAS Report)
| Payment Method | Market Share | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Digital wallets | 58% | Retail purchases <$100 |
| Credit cards | 27% | Department store shopping |
| Coins | 8% | Hawker centers, parking |
| Banknotes | 7% | Gift money, emergencies |
Four unique SGD features:
- Polymer notes: Last 4x longer than paper in humid climate
- Large denominations: $10,000 note (world's highest value)
- Multilingual text: English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil
- Portrait series: Features Yusof Ishak - first Singaporean President
Premium Coins for Education & Collecting
While Singapore's circulating coins serve daily needs, there's growing demand for premium commemorative pieces. At INIMAKER, we've helped educators and collectors since 2012 with:
- Educational replica sets: Museum-grade reproductions of historical Singapore coins
- Custom challenge coins: For schools/corporates with anti-counterfeit features
- Precious metal versions: 24K gold-plated SGD replicas for investors
Last month, we shipped 5,000 ASEAN Heritage coin sets to Singaporean schools, each featuring:
- Dual plating (gold/silver)
- QR-linked historical content
- Scratch-resistant enamel flags
Our ISO-certified facility meets MAS's technical specifications while enabling creative customization - from RFID-embedded collectibles to braille-engraved teaching aids.
Conclusion
Singapore's coins form a practical yet symbolic monetary system. From the 5¢ "flower coin" to the bi-metallic $1, they balance economic needs with national identity. While digital payments rise, physical coins retain cultural and functional value - a lesson for currency designers worldwide.
