1 dollar 1976
“radar #”
Market Prices
134 salesAbout This Note
This is a PMG 67 EPQ graded Singapore 1 Dollar note from 1976, representing the iconic bird series featuring the black-naped tern in flight on the obverse. The note exhibits pristine, uncirculated condition with exceptional paper quality and is notable for bearing a radar serial number (D/61 432234), which reverses to read the same forwards and backwards—a premium collector feature. The reverse depicts a stately colonial-era government building with manicured grounds, exemplifying Singapore's architectural heritage during its post-independence consolidation period.
Common. While PMG 67 EPQ examples command premium prices relative to lower grades, the underlying 1976 Singapore 1 Dollar (Pick P-9) is a widely circulated denomination from a major issuing authority with substantial print runs. eBay transaction data shows consistent availability across all grade levels, with PMG 67 examples averaging $30-45 USD (2018-2022 period). The radar serial number variety adds modest collector appeal but does not elevate the base note to scarce or rare status. Current market activity remains robust and steady, confirming common classification.
Issued in 1976 by the Board of Commissioners of Currency, this note commemorates Singapore's natural heritage and civic pride through its wildlife imagery and governmental landmarks. The black-naped tern, depicted in flight, represents Singapore's ecological diversity and connection to Southeast Asian maritime environment. The colonial building on the reverse reflects the nation's administrative continuity and architectural legacy during a period of rapid modernization and nation-building following independence in 1965.
The obverse features the black-naped tern (Sterna sumatrana), a coastal seabird native to Southeast Asia, rendered in dynamic flight pose on the left side of the note. The right side displays Singapore's national coat of arms featuring the Merlion lion emblem, symbolizing the nation's sovereignty and identity. A stylized cityscape of Singapore's modern skyline appears at the bottom, representing urban development and progress. The reverse depicts a prominent government administrative building of classical colonial architecture with symmetrical facade, flanked by palm trees and formal landscaping with fountain elements, reflecting Singapore's administrative heritage. The color scheme utilizes a warm beige/cream base with navy blue and pink/mauve accents throughout.
FRONT: '$1' (One Dollar denomination); 'ONE DOLLAR' (English denomination); 'This note is legal tender for SINGAPORE' (legal declaration); 'MINISTER FOR FINANCE' (official authorization); 'BLACK-NAPED TERN' (bird identification); 'SINGAPURA 新加坡 சிங்கப்பூர் SINGAPORE' (country name in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil); 'D/61 432234' (serial number with prefix). BACK: 'SINGAPORE' (country identification); '$1' (denomination in ornate oval frame).
Intaglio engraving by Bradbury Wilkinson (BWC), evidenced by the fine line work, ornate scrollwork patterns, and intricate guilloche designs visible throughout the note. Security features include watermark integration (lion emblem), color-shifting security elements in the background, and sophisticated engraving techniques characteristic of BWC's premium security printing. The note demonstrates exceptional paper quality with no visible imperfections in the printing registration or color application.
This example features a radar serial number (D/61 432234), a desirable variety where the serial number reads identically when reversed. Serial number prefix 'D/61' places this note within the standard 1976 issuance range. The PMG label explicitly references 'Radar #' as a notable attribute. No other overprints, signatures variants, or printing anomalies are evident. This represents a standard production variety of the 1976 issue with the added premium of the radar serial number characteristic.
