Singapore Local Eagle silver coin

Imagine this. You have just graduated from school and there is practically nothing that you can list under your credential. You are nobody and very few know who you are. This was exactly how Singapore felt in the early 1970s, a few years into nation building. We need to tell the world about this island – our beautiful Singapore.

So, when we released our first commemorative silver coin in 1972, a local sea eagle was featured on the $10 coin. Yes, though we are small, we do have animals like eagles and deer on this island. I suspect that this is actually the white bellied sea eagle, the largest birds of prey in Singapore. This bird can be found mainly in the coastal area. I remember seeing one or two many years ago and I wonder where they are now. Later in 1976, this bird was again featured on the $10,000 note of the Singapore Bird series currency.

 

 

 

This silver coin was issued again in 1973 and 1974 subsequently.

 

Type	Mintage	Silver Content	Wt (oz)	Issue Price (SGD)
1972 Unc	80,000	90%	1	10.20
1972 Proof	3,000	90%	1	25
1973 Unc	80,000	90%	1	10.20
1973 Proof	5,000	90%	1	30
1974 Unc	100,000	50%	1	10.20
1974 Proof	6,000	50%	1	30

 
The average price of silver was about US$3 in the early 1970s. It has gone up a few folds since then. Unlike gold, you cannot pawn silver easily in Singapore, so I believe you will be able to find them readily in the market.

Rarity: