1976 Singapore 1 Dollar – Black‑Naped Oriole, Bradbury Wilkinson Issue
The 1976 $1 note (Pick 9a) is the Bradbury Wilkinson printing of Singapore’s Birds Series, distinguished by its vivid depiction of the Black‑Naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis). This variant is prized for its crisp engraving quality and limited early circulation, making it a cornerstone of Singapore numismatics.
Historical Context
Introduced in 1976, the Birds Series replaced the Orchid Series and ran until 1984. The $1 denomination was the most widely used, yet Bradbury Wilkinson’s early printings are scarcer than later De La Rue issues. This note reflects Singapore’s growing national identity, showcasing local wildlife while reinforcing modern security standards.
Key Features & Specifications
Pick Number: P‑9a
Denomination: 1 Dollar
Material: Paper
Issuing Authority: Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
Date of Issue: 1976
Size: Approx. 125 × 63 mm
Printer: Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. Ltd.
Watermark: Lion head emblem
Security Thread: Solid vertical thread
Signature: Hon Sui Sen, Minister for Finance
Design Elements
Front: Black‑Naped Oriole perched prominently, rendered with Bradbury Wilkinson’s fine engraving detail. Denomination “$1” and bilingual text in English and Chinese.
Back: Singapore’s coat of arms, flanked by lions and tigers, with “SINGAPORE” in four official languages (English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil).
Colour Scheme: Green base with yellow and black highlights on the bird illustration.
Security Features
Watermark: Lion head emblem, visible when held to light
Security Thread: Solid metallic strip embedded vertically
Serial Numbers: Printed twice for verification
Guilloché patterns: Fine line engraving to deter counterfeiting
Collector’s & Gift Appeal
Bradbury Wilkinson variant – Scarcer than later De La Rue printings
Birds Series enthusiasts – The iconic entry denomination of the set
1976 birth year keepsake – A meaningful memento from Singapore’s formative years
Wildlife collectors – Featuring the Black‑Naped Oriole, a Southeast Asian symbol
Why Collect This Banknote?
The 1976 Bradbury Wilkinson $1 note is more than currency — it’s a rare printing variant that combines artistry, national heritage, and collectible scarcity. As the first issue of the Birds Series, it remains a timeless highlight for collectors of Asian paper money.
