🇸🇬 Singapore – 5 Dollars – 1996 – Ship Series
Pick# 35 | Numista# 202926

A vibrant tribute to Singapore’s maritime heritage, the 1996 5 Dollar banknote is part of the iconic Ship Series, issued by the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Singapore. This series celebrates the island nation’s transformation into a global trading hub, with each denomination showcasing a different vessel from Singapore’s rich nautical history.

🚢 Obverse:
Features the Twakow, a traditional Chinese bumboat once used to ferry goods along the Singapore River.

Center panel includes a Chinese guardian lion with a pearl, symbolizing protection and prosperity.

Bottom right: Commerson’s anchovy, a nod to Singapore’s fishing heritage.

Text in four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil.

Signature: Richard Hu Tsu Tau, Minister for Finance

Color scheme: Green on multicolored underprint

🌸 Reverse:
Showcases a Singapore orchid at left and the iconic Merlion statue at upper right.

Background: A panoramic view of the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) container terminal, emphasizing Singapore’s role in global commerce.

Denomination “$5” and “SINGAPORE” prominently displayed.

🔍 Additional Details:
Issue Year: 1996

Series: Ship Series (1984–1999)

Size: 133 × 66 mm

Material: Paper

Watermark: Lion head

Printer: Harrison & Sons, United Kingdom

Catalog References:

Pick# 35 (Standard Catalog of World Paper Money)

Numista# 202926

💡 Collector Insights:
The Ship Series is one of Singapore’s most beloved and artistically admired banknote series.

This $5 note is a favorite among collectors of maritime themes, Asian currency, and pre-polymer Singapore notes.

Often paired with the $2 and $10 notes from the same series for a complete mid-denomination set.