Singapore launches 2016 Year of the Monkey coins

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said on Friday that it has launched the 2016 Year of the Monkey Almanac Coins, 2016 Uncirculated Coin Set and the Third Almanac Series Puzzle Coin Set. These coins will be issued on Jan. 1 2016.

According to a press release by MAS, the 2016 Year of the Monkey Coins are part of the third Chinese Almanac coin series. The monkey illustrated on the coin has a playful and curious disposition. The peony, a traditional Chinese symbol of blessings and festive cheer, is featured on the body of the monkey. The monkey holds a peach, symbolising longevity.

The coins will be available in nine versions, including a 1 kg coin made of 999 fine silver, which is the largest silver coin in Singapore. Selected premium sets will include a unique 8-sided floral-shaped ingot featuring a family of monkeys.

The 2016 Uncirculated Coin Set consists of five denominations of the third series circulation coins, as well as a 5 Singapore-dollar scallop-shaped coin with a latent image of the year "2016" and the MAS logo.

Following the successful issuance of the first and second Chinese Almanac puzzle coin sets in January 2014 and 2015, the 2016 Chinese Almanac puzzle coin set will also feature a centre piece surrounded by the 12 coins, each depicting the design of the animals in the third Chinese Almanac series. The animals are featured against a background of Chinese characters representing the respective year of the animal in the Chinese lunar calendar. The centre piece features a local orchid hybrid, created in celebration of Singapore's Jubilee -- Papilionanthe Singapore Golden Jubilee, in vibrant colors. Endit