Singapore Native Orchid Coin

MAS has just launched 4^th series of the native Orchid coins. The first native Orchid set was launched in 2011 for Cymbidium finlaysonianum and Grammatophyllum speciosum. These are scientific names of the native orchids found in this region, and Grammatophyllum speciosum also happens to be the largest orchid in the world. It is better known as the Tiger orchid. The 1^st series were available for purchase individually or as a coin set.

In 2012, Singapore Mint introduced the 2^nd series for Arundina graminifolia and Bulbophyllum macranthum. However, this time, the best 100 pieces of each orchid coin were encapsulated in slab sealed with a security mint mark. During the release of the 3^rd series in 2013, Singapore Mint increased the slab version to 500 pieces. I am not sure of the reason behind this but this will definitely affect the value of the slab version because of demand-and-supply factor. And, of course, it has indirectly boosted the market value of the 2012 slab version because we only have 100 pieces of these coins to go around compared to the 500 pieces that have been released in 2013 and subsequently in 2014.

We know that not all coins are created equal. And, I believe this is the only coin series that come with slab capsule in the history of Singapore. However, slab capsule normally comes with the coin after grading by agencies like NGC and PCGS. This will preserve or even enhance the value of the coins if the coins are highly graded. I am not sure who have actually graded the native Orchid coins but it will be helpful if Singapore Mint can reveal some information regarding the grading services. The actual mintage of the 2011-2013 are given as follow:

	Name of Orchid	Actual Mintage
2011	Cymbidium finlaysonianum	3300
	Grammatophyllum speciosum	3300
2012	Arundina graminifolia	3150
	Bulbophyllum macranthum	3150
2013	Bulbophyllum flabellum-veneris	3600
	Dendrobium crumenatum	3700

By now, you will be wondering why there is no Vanda ‘Miss Joaquim’ our national flower in all the series. Well, Miss Joaquim happens to be a hybrid orchid. It means that it is created by mixing certain species of orchid. So, I am not sure whether MAS will consider this as native flower. But, I really like to see a coin with our national flower encapsulated in some PCGS or NGC slab. Perhaps, they can consider doing that for our 50^th anniversary. If not, I guess it is still alright. Anyway, I prefer roses to orchids. Somehow, I believe red roses can bring good luck.

Hope you have enjoyed reading this article.

 

 

(Photo - courtesy from MAS website)