

This is a pristine example of the Singapore 1 Dollar note from 1967, graded UNC and issued by the Board of Commissioners of Currency. The note features the iconic Janet Kaneali orchid in pink on the obverse and a striking representation of modern Singapore public housing on the reverse, reflecting the nation's post-independence development. The exceptional condition with crisp edges, vibrant colors, and no visible wear makes this an attractive example for collectors of early Singapore currency.
Common. The 1967 Singapore 1 Dollar (Pick 1a) is a regular issue note with substantial print runs typical of the primary denomination in early currency series. eBay historical pricing data shows examples selling at modest levels ($8.50-$10.50 for UNC condition in recent years), with even PMG-graded examples (PMG 65-66) averaging $70-130 rather than commanding premium rare-note prices. This widespread market availability confirms common status.
Issued in 1967, this note represents Singapore's early post-independence period (independence declared 1965) and celebrates the nation's rapid modernization through its imagery. The apartment buildings depicted on the reverse symbolize Singapore's ambitious public housing program under the Housing and Development Board, while the Janet Kaneali orchid on the obverse represents Singapore's natural heritage and national identity. The multilingual inscriptions in English and Malay reflect Singapore's multicultural society during the formative years of the new republic.
The obverse features a blue-on-multicolor design with the Janet Kaneali orchid (a pink flower at center-right) as the primary thematic element, reflecting Singapore's botanical heritage. The left side contains a circular watermark area (characteristic of the 1967 series design structure), while the Singapore national coat of arms—featuring a crescent moon, five stars, and two lion supporters—appears in a circular seal on the right. Ornamental guilloche patterns and dollar sign symbols occupy the corners. The reverse depicts modern HDB (Housing and Development Board) residential apartment blocks representing Singapore's rapid urban development, with decorative radiating designs on the left margin and a hexagonal security element on the right, all rendered in dark blue and black. The printer attribution to Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd is clearly stated.
FRONT: '$1' (One Dollar denomination marker); 'SINGAPORE' (country name); 'REPUBLIK SINGAPURA' (Republic of Singapore in Malay); 'MAJULAH SINGAPURA' (Onwards Singapore in Malay - national motto); 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination in English); 'MINISTER FOR FINANCE' (issuing authority); 'THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ONE DOLLAR' (legal tender clause); 'A 23 003231' (serial number, appears twice). BACK: '$1' (denomination); 'SINGAPORE' (country name); 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD NEW MALDEN, SURREY, ENGLAND' (printer attribution).
Intaglio/engraved banknote printing by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd of New Malden, Surrey, England. The visual evidence of intricate guilloche patterns, fine-line engraving throughout, and detailed architectural renderings are characteristic of this specialist security printer's work. The multicolor design required multiple printing plates and careful registration, standard practice for high-security banknotes of this era.
This note is identified as Pick 1a (the standard variety). The visual analysis reveals serial number 'A 23 003231' and the absence of a red seal, consistent with the regular P-1a issue type. PMG population data indicates multiple varieties exist for the 1 Dollar denomination (P-1cts, P-18b*, P-18s), but this specimen corresponds to the standard P-1a cataloging. The printer attribution to Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd (BWC) is confirmed on the reverse, distinguishing it from later issues by other printers.