In order to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew aka “LKY100”, a total of 4 million commemorative coins, each priced at SGD10, have been minted by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
MAS announced today that the total number of coins minted would meet the demand of 3.3 million coins from the 700,000 applications submitted online by the people of Singapore. The remaining 0.7 million coins would be made available for general exchange later, according to a media release.
LKY100 is an umbrella term for a series of events and initiatives undertaken by Singapore government agencies to mark the founder’s birth centenary. The MAS website said that the LKY100 coins would become available for collection from September 4, 2023.
Those who have already successfully booked the collectible coins would receive a text message notification from MAS. The message will confirm the number of collectible coins allotted to each applicant; a two-week collection window to pick up the allotted coins; and details of the bank branch from where the applicant can get the coins.
Aug 21-Sept 30: The MAS press release said that text messages would be sent to the applicants any day between August 21 and September 30. The MAS notifications will be sent in batches, so all applicants will not receive notifications on the same day. If someone has got a notification, and you have not got it, no need to worry.
Sept 4-Nov 26: Each applicant will be allotted the two-week collection window anytime between September 4 and November 26, and they can visit their designated bank branch to collect the coins. This scheduling is meant to avoid crowding at the bank branches.
Nov 27-Dec 3: The dates from November 27 to December 3 offer a grace period for any applicant who was unable to collect the allotted coins from their designated bank branch during the two-week window.
Dec 4 onwards: From December 4, all uncollected and remaining coins will be made available to the general public, including non-Singaporeans, at selected bank branches. More details will be provided in November 2023.
The MAS press release said that successful applicants should also take note of the following:
● Adhere to your allocated collection period and designated bank branch.
● Check the bank’s website for the operating hours of your designated bank.
● Bring along your NRIC/birth certificate and the SMS notification sent by MAS.
● Payment of SGD10 per coin is to be made at the designated bank branch upon collection.
● Payment may be made via cash; direct debit from their bank account (for applicants who are the assigned bank’s customers); or through other e-payment options that each bank branch may offer.
● Collection can be done by someone on your behalf during your allocated two-week collection period and at your designated bank branch by providing a copy of your NRIC/birth certificate, and a screenshot of the SMS notification sent by MAS.
● All SMS notifications from MAS for the LKY100 coin will not contain any clickable URL link nor ask for any upfront payment.
● Some of the applicants may be assigned an alternative bank branch rather than the branch of their choice due to high demand for collection slots at certain branches.
More information and FAQs are on https://go.gov.sg/lky100coin
Design elements of the LKY100 coins minted by MAS
About the collectible LKY100 coins, the MAS website explained: “On May 15, 2023, MAS launched the issuance of a $10 (SGD10) coin to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew (LKY100). The coin pays tribute to Mr Lee’s strategic vision, boldness and indomitable spirit that transformed Singapore from a regional trading port to a global manufacturing, business and financial hub, creating opportunities for all Singaporeans. The coin was designed by local artist, Mr Weng Ziyan.”
The aluminium bronze collectible coin weighs 13.9 grams and has a diameter of 30mm. These materials were chosen in order to make the coin affordable for all.
Reverse side of the LKY100 collectible coin: The design features a portrait of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, accompanied in the foreground by the Marina Barrage, representing Mr Lee’s vision to build a freshwater reservoir in the city, strengthening Singapore’s water resilience. The backdrop is the skyline of the Raffles Place financial district, and two heritage buildings which have witnessed significant milestones in Singapore’s history — Fullerton Hotel (formerly the Fullerton Building/General Post Office) and National Gallery Singapore (formerly the Supreme Court and City Hall).
Front side of the LKY100 collectible coin: The design has the Singapore Coat of Arms, below which a dual latent image features Mr Lee’s birth year ‘1923’ viewed from one angle, and his 100th birth anniversary ‘2023’ viewed from another.