Orchid $50 (1967)
Gateway of Dreams and New Beginnings
Clifford Pier was the gateway to our island, where many of our ancestors first set foot. It was a place of hope and new beginnings, where dreams were brought ashore. The pier was affectionately known as ‘red lamp harbour’, because of its iconic red beacons that guided ships arriving at night. Its red roof, concrete arched trusses, and clock tower soon became landmarks for immigrants seeking new opportunities. The pier was also a place of farewells and reunions, a poignant symbol of the journeys that once shaped our nation.
Circulation status: Discontinued
Issuing authority: BCCS
First issued: 12 June 1967
Pieces issued: 62 million
Printer: Thomas De La Rue & Co Ltd
Material: Paper
‘Singapore’ in caps
‘Singapore’ in four languages
National Coat of Arms
Denomination print: ‘$50’ & ‘FIFTY DOLLARS’
Size: 146mm x 87mm
Colour: Blue
Guarantee: Legal tender affirmation
First prefix: A1
Last prefix: A62
Replacement prefix: Z1
Signed by: Minister for Finance
• A1 to A14: Lim Kim San (no seal)
• A15 to A22: Goh Keng Swee (with seal)
• A23 to A30: Hon Sui Sen (no seal)
• A31 to A62: Hon Sui Sen (with seal)
• Z1: Hon Sui Sen (with seal)
Watermark of lion’s head
Fluorescent ink
One solid, vertical security thread
Intaglio print
Geometric patterns
The Just-Right Note
The $50 note is known as the bridge denomination because it sits nicely between small and big amounts. It’s more valuable than the $10 or $25 notes, but not as large as the $100 or $500 notes. This makes it useful for many things—from giving gifts to making big purchases—without feeling too little or too much. It’s the denomination that often feels just right: important enough to be respected, but still practical for daily use.
Rothschildiana3
• Genus: Vanda
• Grex: Rothschildiana
• Cultivar: ‘Teo Choo Hong’
• Registrant: Chassaing
• Originator: Chassaing (1931)
Vanda orchids are well known for their bright colours, large flowers, and long-lasting blooms, which make them very popular in the flower trade. In the 1960s, orchid nurseries in Singapore played an important role in building the country’s global reputation for orchid growing, and they often used Vanda hybrids to meet the demand from overseas buyers. Today, the Vanda Rothschildiana is the only true Vanda orchid featured on Singapore’s Orchid banknotes. This is because, after a scientific update in orchid classification, other orchids that were once part of the Vanda group have been moved to the Papilionanda category.
Where Journeys Began and Secrets Lingered
Clifford Pier was built in 1933 and used to be the main place where sea passengers arrived in Singapore, earning it the nickname ‘gateway to Singapore’. For many immigrants and travellers, it was their first view of the island. The pier was known for its red beacons that helped guide boats safely to shore, which is why the Chinese called it 红灯码头 (Red Lantern Pier) and the Malays called it Lampu Merah.
The waters around Clifford Pier were always busy with all kinds of boats—like tongkangs, twakows, jongs, sampans, bumboats, and ferries. These boats carried people and goods to and from larger ships, coastal villages, and nearby islands. It was a bustling place, full of movement and activity from morning to night.
Clifford Pier was also a popular spot for nightlife and street food. At night, the nearby car park turned into a hawker centre, where people came to eat fresh seafood by the sea. You could hear buskers playing music, people chatting, and the buzz of a lively crowd. But behind the fun, there was also a darker side. At night, sampans would quietly bring in illegal goods like opium, and women. Because there were so many sailors, traders, and visitors in the area, there was a demand for vice, and call girls worked openly, despite police raids.
Today, Clifford Pier has been restored and is now part of The Fullerton Bay Hotel. It no longer welcomes sea travellers, but its old building has been kept. It is now home to The Clifford Pier restaurant, which serves a mix of local and international food, inspired by Singapore’s multicultural heritage.
Market Value in 2024
Market Price: $320
Condition
• Upgraded
• Like new
• No tears, pinholes, stains, foxing
• Light creases & 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, in superior condition, 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 A1 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. Orchid registration details from International Orchid Register.
3. Image by Emerys Chew. Source: https://www.orchidroots.com/display/summary/orchidaceae/100071029/?role=pub
4. Image from OrchidWeb listing. Source: https://www.orchidweb.com/orchids/vandaceous/species/vanda-coerulea-supra-lord-rothschilds-variety.
5. Image by Emerys Chew. Source: https://www.orchidroots.com/display/summary/orchidaceae/211529/?role=pub.
6. Image from National Archives of Singapore. Source: https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/photographs/record-details/d3f18d4e-1161-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad.
7. Image from Trip Advisor. Source: https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g294265-d9559736-i234803735-The_Fullerton_Maritime_Journey_Tour-Singapore.html.
8. Image by Kelvin Lim, The Straits Times. Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/life/home-design/clifford-pier-turns-90-from-landing-point-to-heritage-gem.