2015 SG50 $10
Beyond 50: Stronger, Kinder, Together
As we celebrated our 50th anniversary, it was not only a time to look back, but also a moment to look ahead to the future we wanted to build. We remembered that our strength came from standing together as one people, from every background and walk of life. On this day, Singaporeans collectively identified five ideals: 1. We knew that Singapore had to remain a place where everyone, no matter our race, language or religion, could feel at home. 2. We must keep our country safe and secure, whatever it would take. 3. We wanted to build strong families, a base where we would feel safe, and children could chase their dreams. 4. We aspired to be a society where opportunities would be open to all, and where success would be shared. 5. We wished to stay a nation of caring community, where neighbours looked out for one another and no one would be left behind.
Circulation status: Commemorative
Issuing authority: MAS
First issued: 20 August 2015
Pieces issued:
• 15 million per design (regular edition)
• 50 sheets per design (3-in-1 uncut edition)
• 5,000 sets (identical number edition)
Printer: Probably Note Printing Australia
Material: Polymer
Artists:
• Fabian Lim
• Eng Siak Loy
• Weng Ziyan
‘Singapore’ in caps
‘Singapore’ in four languages
National Coat of Arms
Lion Head symbols
Vanda Miss Joaquim
Portrait: Yusof Ishak
Cowrie: Wandering cowrie
Images (front):
• Vanda Miss Joaquim
• SG50 logo, ‘1965’ & ‘2015’
• Wandering cowrie (background)
• Chinese coin 铜钱 (in denomination digits, front & back)
Images (back): ‘Vibrant nation, endearing home:
• Regardless of race, language or religion
• Safe and secure
• Strong families
• Opportunities for all
• Caring community, active citizenry
• Fluorescent ink & fibres
• Intaglio & reverse intaglio printing
• Micro-lettering
• Perfect registration of Lion Head
• Asymmetrical serial number digits
• EURion constellation
• Floral patterns
• Switching effects of Coat of Arms, SG50 logo, ‘1965′ & ‘2015’
• Security thread shaped as Singapore island
• Gold Lion Head with multiple images
• One see-through window
Complete List
A Nation’s Spirit In Five Designs
The SG50 $10 note kept some features from the circulation Portrait $10 Polymer note, but added a few special touches of its own. It is the only banknote in Singapore’s history to have five different designs on its back. It introduced an orchid—our national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim—as a key design on the front of a note, and not a supplementary background image. Another special feature is that, for the first time, the serial numbers were printed on the back of the note, not the front. This is unusual not just in comparison to other Singapore notes; it is also different from most currency notes in the world.
Our Hopes for The Future
Most Singaporeans know that living peacefully with people of different races and religions is not something that happens by chance. It is something we have built carefully over the years and must continue to protect.
The pioneer generation still remember the times when security felt uncertain. TikTok videos today show foreigners who marvel at Singapore’s safety. There is a strong wish to keep our streets, homes, and borders well-protected, through our armed forces, police, and emergency teams. We need Singapore to continue to be a safe home for all.
Families are still at the heart of what many Singaporeans care most about. Looking after our parents, raising our children well, and spending time with loved ones are basic responsibilities, not extras. While life may get busier, future generations must continue to keep family ties strong.
Singaporeans believe that everyone should have a fair chance to succeed, no matter their background. We want a society where effort and ability matter more than wealth or privilege. Our education and workplaces should stay supportive, giving everyone—including those with disabilities—a chance at chasing their dreams.
We hope for a society where neighbours still look out for one another, and where people step up to help voluntarily. Progress is not just about material wealth, but about becoming a more caring and compassionate community.
Market Value in 2024
Market Price: $25
Condition
• Ungraded
• Brand new
• No tears, pinholes, stains, foxing, creases or folds
Context
• The information here refers specifically to the banknote featured on the top of this page.
• The same note may fetch a higher price if it is graded, issued as a special edition, has special serial numbers, or is a specimen or error note.
• The same note may fetch a lower price if it lacks the first prefix 5AA or is in poorer condition.
Attributions
1. Prefix and banknote details from Vincent Tan and Tan Wei Jie, Singapore Banknotes: Complete Prefix Reference, Mr Banknotes, 2017.
2. Image from Mothership. Source: https://mothership.sg/2017/05/historian-wang-gungwus-take-on-chinese-identity-loyalty-in-spore-is-worth-reading/.
3. Image from meWATCH, Mediacorp. Source: https://www.mewatch.sg/watch/National-Day-Parade-2024-E9-Guard-of-Honour-and-Colours-Party-march-in-480938.
4. Image generated by ChatGPT using DALL·E (OpenAI), 2025.
5. Image from Tzu Chi Foundation. Source: https://www.tzuchi.org.sg/en/news-and-stories/local-news/volunteers-spend-labour-day-cleaning-up-the-home-of-a-single-mother/.