1 SGD #477

Front

The former Supreme Court building of Singapore (now the National Gallery Singapore), a neoclassical building completed in 1939 designed by Public Works Department architect Frank Dorrington Ward. The scene depicts a military or ceremonial parade in front of the building, showing troops marching in formation beneath palm trees. This building served as Singapore's Supreme Court from 1939 until 2005 and is one of the most architecturally significant colonial-era structures in the city-state, featuring Corinthian columns and a distinctive dome. It was converted into the National Gallery Singapore in 2015.

Back

Traditional Chinese junk sailing vessel with three masts and characteristic battened sails, representing Singapore's maritime heritage and importance as a port. The junk symbolizes the waves of Chinese migration and trade that shaped Singapore's development as a major commercial hub in Southeast Asia. The Board of Commissioners of Currency coat of arms appears at left, featuring a lion and crescent moon. The note includes text in four languages: English, Chinese, Malay (in Jawi script), and Tamil, reflecting Singapore's multicultural society.

History

This is a first-issue Orchid series $1 note, Singapore's first national currency series following independence in 1965 and the dissolution of the currency union with Malaya and British Borneo. The series was issued from 1967 to 1976 and featured orchids (Singapore's national flower) in the watermark and design elements. Hon Sui Sen served as the first Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Currency from 1967 to 1983. The serial number format 'C/52' indicates a specific printing run or series within the first issue. Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd of England printed these notes. The series was withdrawn from circulation on 1 October 1987 when the Bird series was introduced, though remained legal tender until fully demonetized.