5 dollars 1976

Common. Despite being from 1976, this note appears with reasonable frequency in the collector market. eBay auction data spanning 2012-2023 shows consistent sales volume with UNC examples typically selling between $7-$76, averaging around $10-$15 for uncirculated specimens without premium grading certification. The note was part of a regular issue with substantial print run, and no documented scarcity or recall status exists. The abundance of market availability and modest pricing for UNC examples confirms common status.

Issued in 1976 by the Board of Commissioners of Currency, this note represents Singapore's post-independence period when the nation was rapidly modernizing its infrastructure and establishing itself as a global port city. The reverse's depiction of the cable car system to Sentosa Island and the busy harbor reflects Singapore's strategic focus on tourism and maritime commerce during this development phase. The obverse's red-whiskered bulbul, a native bird species, underscores Singapore's commitment to celebrating its natural heritage even as it underwent intensive urbanization.

The obverse features the red-whiskered bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), a distinctive local bird species, rendered in detailed black and white engraving on the left side, perched among decorative floral elements in yellow, orange, and green. The upper right displays Singapore's national coat of arms featuring two lions (Rajah Singapura) flanking a crescent moon. A modern Singapore skyline with high-rise buildings forms a vignette across the bottom center in green tones. The reverse depicts the iconic cable car system (aerial tramway to Sentosa Island) with suspended gondolas above a busy port scene, including industrial buildings, vessels at anchor, forested hills, and coastal features. A radiant sun motif appears in the upper right. The color scheme transitions from pink, green, brown, and yellow on the obverse to predominantly green and white on the reverse, with decorative guilloche patterns in the corners of the back.

FRONT: 'SINGAPORE' (English), 'FIVE DOLLARS' (English denomination), '$5' (numeric denomination), 'This note is legal tender for' (legal tender clause), 'RED-WHISKERED BULBUL' (bird species identification), 'MINISTER FOR FINANCE' (authority signature line), 'SINGAPURA 新加坡 சிங்கப்பூர்' (Singapore in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil), 'RAJAH SINGAPURA' (Lion of Singapore/national symbol), Serial number 'A 30 2864420' (printed top and bottom). BACK: 'SINGAPORE' (country name), '$5' (denomination, appears twice), 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving and steel engraving) executed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd, a renowned British security printer. The fine line work, intricate engraving patterns visible throughout both sides, multiple layers of shading in the landscape scenes, and decorative guilloche patterns all indicate high-quality intaglio production. The sharp definition of the bird's feathers, the detailed industrial landscape, and the crisp serial numbers demonstrate the precision of this traditional security printing method. No evidence of offset or lithographic components is observed.

Serial number prefix 'A 30' observed on the examined specimen. The 1976 issue exists with various serial number prefixes (A, B, C series noted in market examples). No major cataloged varieties (such as overprints, signatures, or security feature differences) are known for Pick P-10. Grading variations (F, VF, EF, AUNC, UNC) and PMG certification levels (64-66) represent condition-based market differentiation rather than distinct varieties. The note maintains consistent design across all examples encountered.