Orchid $10000 (1973)
A Symbol of Leadership and Independence
Nestled amid lush greenery, the Istana has long stood as a proud emblem of our nation’s sovereignty. More than just the official residence of our Presidents, its stately halls and sprawling grounds bore witness to history in the making. It was here, in 1959, that our first government was sworn in, marking the dawn of self-governance. Through the years, its gardens have echoed with the footsteps of visiting dignitaries, while its grand chambers have played host to state banquets and pivotal decisions that shaped our nation’s destiny. The Istana remains a living monument to Singapore’s journey—where past and present converge, and where the spirit of independence continues to be celebrated.
Circulation status: Discontinued
Issuing authority: BCCS
First issued: 29 January 1973
Pieces issued: 0.2 million
Printer: Thomas De La Rue & Co Ltd
Material: Paper
‘Singapore’ in caps
‘Singapore’ in four languages
National Coat of Arms
Denomination print: ‘$10000’ & ‘TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS’
Size: 203mm x 133mm
Colour: Green
Guarantee: Legal tender affirmation
First Prefix: A1
Last Prefix: A1
Replacement Prefix: Z1
Signed & sealed by: Minister for Finance Hon Sui Sen (with seal)
Watermark of lion’s head
Fluorescent ink
Two solid, vertical security threads
Intaglio print
Geometric patterns
A Note for a Flat
In 1973, Singapore became the first country in Asia to issue a $10000 banknote. This high-value note was mainly used by businesses and wealthy individuals. At that time, just one $10000 note was enough to buy a two-room HDB flat—with some money left over! Because of its high value, it’s the only note in the Orchid series to have two security threads, for added security. The Orchid $10000 is also the largest banknote, along with the Bird $10000, Singapore has ever issued. It measures 203mm by 133mm, which is almost half the size of an A4 paper. Because it was so big, many people had to fold it several times just to fit it into their wallets—this is why most of the notes that survive today have multiple fold marks.
Majula
Majula3
• Genus: Aranda
• Grex: Majula
• Registrant: Singapore Botanic Gardens
• Originator: Singapore Botanic Gardens (1967)
The Aranda Majula is the only orchid hybrid in the Orchid series that was created by the Singapore Botanic Gardens. All the other hybrids—although many people think otherwise—were actually created elsewhere. The name Aranda is a mix of two orchid types: Arachnis and Vanda. The word Arachnis comes from ‘arachnid’, which means spider, because the orchid’s petals look like spider legs. The word Majula is a reference to ‘Majulah Singapura’, the title of our national anthem. Another well-known Aranda hybrid is the Aranda Lee Kuan Yew, which is a cross between Arachnis hookeriana and Vanda Golden Moon. This orchid was named in honour of our founding Prime Minister after his passing in 2015.
Inside the Istana, Singapore's Seat of State
The Istana was built in 1869 to be the official home of the British Governor of Singapore. Later, in 1959, when Singapore attained self-governance, the Istana became the official home and office of Yusof Ishak, who was our first Yang di-Pertuan Negara (Head of State). At that time, Singapore was still under British rule, so the position was mostly symbolic. After Singapore became fully independent in 1965, the Istana became the residence of the President, with Yusok Ishak again being the first.
Inside the Istana grounds, there is a beautiful tropical garden with many hidden spots and special places. Some of the facilities include a nine-hole golf fairway, a gun terrace, a swan pond, a Japanese garden, and a swimming pool. The large compound is also home to many types of plants, animals, and birds. Inside the Istana building itself, there are elegant rooms like the State Room and Banquet Hall, which are used to host important events and welcome foreign guests.
Despite its grandeur, not all Presidents chose to reside in the Istana. When President Halimah Yacob took office in 2017, she initially expressed a desire to remain in her HDB home, setting her apart from her predecessors. However, due to security and logistical considerations, she was eventually persuaded against it and moved into the Istana during her tenure.
Market Value in 2024
Market Price: $32,000
Condition
• PMG 35, pinhole
• Lightly used
• No tears, stains, foxing or creases
• Light 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 other special prefixes, or is a specimen or error note.
• The same note may fetch a lower price if it 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/100023466/.
4. Image from OrchidRoots. Source: https://orchidroots.com/display/summary/orchidaceae/100058246/.
5. Image by Emerys Chew. Source: https://orchidroots.com/display/summary/orchidaceae/211483/?role=pub.
6. Image from The Istana. Source: https://www.istana.gov.sg/Visit-And-Explore/The-Istana/The-Grounds#Japanese-Garden-2.
7. Image from Mothership. Source: https://mothership.sg/2023/06/everything-about-presidential-election-2023/.