1 dollar 1972
Market Prices
84 salesAbout This Note
This Singapore 1 Dollar note from 1972 (Pick P-1d) presents in uncirculated condition with exceptional crispness and sharp printing throughout. The obverse features a striking Janet Kaneali orchid arrangement in pink tones alongside Singapore's national coat of arms, while the reverse displays detailed architectural engraving of modern apartment buildings representative of Singapore's mid-20th century urban development. As an early issue from the Board of Commissioners of Currency, this note exemplifies the artistic and security standards of Singapore's first decimal currency series.
Common. The 1972 issue of Singapore's 1 Dollar note (P-1d) circulated widely during its legal tender period and remains readily available in the numismatic market. eBay sales data shows UNC examples selling for approximately $10-46 in recent years, with PMG-graded specimens commanding higher prices ($30-130 range for grades 64-66). The substantial volume of sales data and consistent availability across multiple condition grades indicate a large original print run with minimal attrition.
Issued in 1972 during Singapore's post-independence nation-building phase, this note reflects the country's rapid modernization and urban development. The prominent depiction of apartment buildings on the reverse symbolizes Singapore's ambitious public housing program under the Housing and Development Board, a cornerstone of the nation's social policy. The selection of the Janet Kaneali orchid—Singapore's national flower—as the principal obverse design element underscores the government's effort to establish national identity through currency imagery during this formative period.
The obverse features a circular ornamental design on the left containing the Janet Kaneali orchid (Vanda Miss Joaquim), Singapore's national flower, rendered in pink with green foliage against a light cream background. The right side displays the Singapore national coat of arms—a crescent moon and five stars above a quartered shield, supported by two lions as supporters, with the national motto 'MAJULAH SINGAPURA' at the base. The reverse depicts a modern urban landscape of multi-story residential apartment buildings arranged in a planned community development pattern, rendered in detailed architectural engraving style. Fine-line guilloche security patterns and ornamental borders frame both sides. The denomination is prominently marked as 'ONE DOLLAR' and '$1' in multiple locations.
FRONT: 'REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE' (English), 'ONE DOLLAR' (English), 'SINGAPORE' (English), '$1' (English), 'MINISTER FOR FINANCE' (English), 'THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ONE DOLLAR' (English), 'MAJULAH SINGAPURA' (Malay, meaning 'Onwards Singapore'), serial number 'D73770010' (appears twice). BACK: 'SINGAPORE' (English), '$1' (English), 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD NEW MALDEN, SURREY, ENGLAND' (printer credit, English).
Intaglio engraving on banknote stock, produced by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd of New Malden, Surrey, England—one of the world's premier security printers. The note exhibits characteristics of fine line engraving with detailed guilloche work for security purposes. The multi-color printing shows careful registration with a light cream/beige base and blue, pink, green, and gold/tan accent colors. The intricate background patterns and fine-line security designs throughout are consistent with BWC's established high standards for currency production.
The observed specimen exhibits the standard Type II red signature seal at center front, characteristic of the 1972 issue. The serial number prefix 'D' indicates a note from the standard currency batch. This note corresponds to Pick P-1d, the fourth catalogued variety of the 1 Dollar denomination (variants P-1a through P-1d exist). No overprints or special markings are evident on this particular specimen, identifying it as a regular issue rather than a specimen or trial note. The printer mark 'BWC' (Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co) confirms the standard production by the designated security printer.
