2009 Heritage Orchids of Singapore Coin

Yesterday, The Monetary Authority of Singapore announced the release of 2009 Heritage Orchids of Singapore Coin set. This coin set focus on The orchid hybridisation programme in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a dynamic and living monument to the foresight of the founding fathers of Singapore. Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore and a keen naturalist, established the first botanical and experimental garden on Government Hill (Fort Canning Hill) in 1822, shortly after his arrival in Singapore. He aimed to introduce cultivation of economic crops such as cocoa and nutmeg. However, without a full-time salaried director and sufficient funding, the garden languished and was closed in 1829, after Raffles' death.

Photo by: mooseyscountrygarden.com

The orchid-hybridisation programme in the Singapore Botanic Gardens was initiated more than 70 years ago (1928) by Professor R. E. Holttum. His first hybrid, Spathoglottis Primrose (Spathoglottis aurea x Spathoglottis plicata), flowered in 1931. In collaboration with orchid lovers like John Laycock, he produced hybrids such as Aranthera James Storie (Arachnis hookeriana x Renanthera storiei) and Arachnis Maggie Oei (Arachnis hookeriana x Arachnis flos-aeris), both of which became important cut-flowers for many years. Then, Oncidium Goldiana (Oncidium sphacelatum x Oncidium flexuosum) flowered in 1939. It was also known as the 'Golden Shower' or the 'Dancing Lady' orchid. This hybrid was a great success and its popularity is still extant. One can find it in almost every flower shop throughout the world.

Photo by: orchidsonline.com.au

The Orchid hybridization programme to date, has succeeded in registering more than 400 hybrids. This has played a substantial role in boosting Singapore’s cut-flower export industry, which complements well with the Government’s vision for Singapore to be a centre for horticulture excellence. Recognizing the two fine blooms with exceptional characteristics, The Monetary Authority of Singapore is proud to present the 2009 Heritage Orchids of Singapore Coin Set. This coin set features two resident hybrids- Spathoglottis Primrose and Vanda Amy. Each orchid depicts Singapore’s heritage and history in its distinctive way.

Spathoglottis Primrose (1932)
Spathoglottis aurea x Spathoglottis plicata

This was the first hybrid of the Singapore Botanic Gardens' breeding programme initiated by Prof. Richard Eric Holttum more than 70 years ago. The seed was sown in May 1929 and the plants first flowered in August 1931. This hybrid is a very robust and free flowering plant, which makes it suitable for growing under tropical conditions.

Vanda Amy (1956)
Vanda hookeriana x Vanda tricuspidata

With a distinctive lip from the influence of one of its parent, Vanda tricuspidata, this attractive hybrid was one of the earlier hybrid registered and created by John Laycock in 1956, a well known lawyer and one of the founding members of the present Orchid Society of South East Asia. It was named by Mr Laycock for his daughter Amy, who was a City Councillor in the period before independence. This orchid is a terete-leave Vanda that grows and flowers well in the sun.

(9016) 2009 Heritage Orchids of Singapore Coin Set

Mintage: 8000 pc
Issue Date: 20-Aug-2009
Net Weight (g): 40.00
Diameter (mm): 38.70
Retail Price: S$148.00
SODA Price: S$148.00

(9111) 2009 Heritage Orchids of Singapore Coin & CEPAS ez-Link Card Set

Mintage: 1000 pc
Issue Date: 20-Aug-2009
Net Weight (g): 45.00
Diameter (mm): 38.70
Retail Price: S$198.00
SODA Price: S$198.00

(9610) 2009 Heritage Orchids of Singapore CEPAS ez-Link Card Set

Mintage: 3000 pc
Issue Date: 20-Aug-2009
Net Weight (g): 10.00
Diameter (mm): 1.00
Retail Price: S$42.00
SODA Price: S$42.00

Source: Singapore mint, singapore botanic garden.