Month: July 2012

Categories
Stamps

The Second Series of Malaysian Currency Stamp Issue (2012)

In conjunction with the new Second Series of Malaysian banknotes on 16 July 2012, Pos Malaysia has released a set of stamps featuring the new coins and banknotes. Eight 60 sen stamps show the obverse and reverse of the new coins, while the six denominations of banknotes are depicted on the RM 5 stamps, in two separate pieces containing three miniature sheets each.

This is a very special set of stamp in terms of design. Firstly, it is printed with hot stamp foiling on most stamps. In addition, the 60 sen stamps featuring the coins are hexagonal in shape, complete with embossing to bring out the intricate details on the coin.

The RM 5 stamps featuring the banknotes contain silver foil hot stamping to carefully represent the security thread on the notes, including that of the RM 50 note.

These new notes are to replace the previous series that has been in circulation for over ten years. The coins have also been released into general circulation earlier in the year. Banknotes can be exchanged over the counter at most major banks in Malaysia.

Denomination: 8 designs of 60 sen
Miniature Sheet: 6 designs of RM 5
Stamp size: 35 mm by 40 mm, hexagon
Miniature sheet size: 100 mm by 70 mm
Stamp in Miniature Sheet: 60 mm by 40 mm
Perforation: 14
Sheet content: 20
Designer: Reign Associates Sdn Bhd

Categories
Banknotes

Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s Signature on New Singapore $50 Notes

Singapore’s $50 banknote now carries the one triangle symbol on the reverse (below the word Arts). The signature on the new paper money has also been updated to that of Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam. This is the first denomination of banknotes to reflect his appointment as the new Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

The first prefix for this variety is 4AA. Currently, other prefixes including 4AC, 4AD, 4AE, 4AF, 4AG, 4AJ, 4AL and 4AQ, 4AT and 4AU have been observed in circulation.

Update (12 July): Prefixes 4AH, 4AM, 4AR were spotted.

Update (14 July): Prefix 4AP was spotted.

Update (20 July): Prefixes 4AK, 4AS were spotted.

Update (25 July): Prefixes 4AA, 4AB were spotted; unseen prefix 4AN.

Update (10 August): Prefix 4AV was spotted.

The MAS $50 banknote has three different signatures to date, including that of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (released in August 2004, 2AA) and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong (released in November 2009, 3AA). Both used to hold the position of Chairman MAS. Before the MAS issue, the Board of Commissioners of Currency Singapore (BCCS) has issued banknotes signed by Richard Hu (released in September 1999, 0AA; reprinted in 2011, 1AA to 1HF and 1JJ) and Lee Hsien Loong (released in 2002, 1HL to 1HZ and 1KA to 1KN).

MAS started issuing banknotes with symbols printed on the reverse since 2008 as an added security feature for their internal authentication. It has been understood that these symbols are used to indicate the print batch number for that particular denomination, and two of the future symbols will include the circle and star.

It is observed that two denominations printed during the same period may not have the same symbol. For example, the one triangle symbol is used on the $50 note (printed some time between 21 May 2011 and early July 2012) while the $10 banknote with one triangle was released in November 2010. The $2 note with one triangle was first spotted in circulation in February 2011.

Categories
Stamps

Pond Life Definitives: Reprint Stamps (2011B)

The Pond Life Definitive stamps were released in 2011, featuring pond creatures in their natural habitat. Earlier this year, an additional design for the 1st Local and 2nd Local denominations were introduced.

On 11 July 2011, first reprint stamps for the 20c, 30c and 50c denominations will be made available at philatelic outlets across the island. They include the branches at Change Alley, Changi Airport, Chinatown, Jurong Point, Killiney Road, Singapore Post Centre, Robinson Road, Tanglin, Thomson Road, Toa Payoh Central and Woodlands.

Each stamp will be marked 2011B. These stamps can be purchased individually. For special requests including colour checks, plate numbers and reprint markings (“RP”), a minimum of a block of 4 stamps per denomination must be purchased, subject to the availability of stocks.

In addition, the first reprint of the Pond Life Definitives booklets (2012B) will be made available. At the bottom right corner of the stamp, the “2012B” is printed in black, instead of “2012A” in white. In addition, the “1RP” marking is found at the bottom right corner of the self-adhesive stamp booklet.