$100 class
Modern series 1A representative Singapore dollar note class around the 100 denomination — portraits, monuments and colourways vary by series.
Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.
Reserve weight28
Global reach42
Stability92
Cash culture30
Design icon85
Policy autonomy65
LessMore
Last reviewed Sources & creditsMedia creditsMethodology
Quick answers
What is the Singapore dollar?
Singapore dollar (SGD) is issued or defined under Monetary Authority of Singapore. A managed float run by the MAS — Asia's boutique hard currency.
Who issues Singapore dollar?
Monetary Authority of Singapore sets monetary policy and oversees the unit; physical production involves Singapore Mint.
Is this a live exchange rate?
No. Tool-Lifes /money is a static educational atlas. It explains regimes, history and design without live tickers.
Why does Singapore dollar matter globally?
Global importance comes from trade invoicing, reserve holdings, financial contracts and migrant remittances — measured here as relative scores, not prices.
What does the reserve-weight score mean?
It ranks how heavily central banks and global finance rely on this unit compared with others in the atlas — an editorial 0–100 score.
Where can I see banknotes?
The Design chapter covers major note and coin types; images come from Wikimedia Commons when a free licence is available.
Cash design is public art and anti-counterfeiting engineering at once. Singapore dollar notes and coins carry portraits, landscapes and machine-readable features.
Series change as issuers fight forgers and refresh national imagery; older notes remain collectible long after withdrawal.
Banknotes
$50 class
Modern series 2A representative Singapore dollar note class around the 50 denomination — portraits, monuments and colourways vary by series.
$20 class
Modern series 3A representative Singapore dollar note class around the 20 denomination — portraits, monuments and colourways vary by series.
$10 class
Modern series 4A representative Singapore dollar note class around the 10 denomination — portraits, monuments and colourways vary by series.
$5 class
Modern series 5A representative Singapore dollar note class around the 5 denomination — portraits, monuments and colourways vary by series.
$1 class
Modern series 6A representative Singapore dollar note class around the 1 denomination — portraits, monuments and colourways vary by series.
Coins
Highest circulating
Highest circulating coin for Singapore dollar: metal, edge and motif choices balance cost, durability and recognition.
Mid circulating
Mid circulating coin for Singapore dollar: metal, edge and motif choices balance cost, durability and recognition.
Low circulating
Low circulating coin for Singapore dollar: metal, edge and motif choices balance cost, durability and recognition.
Commemorative
Commemorative coin for Singapore dollar: metal, edge and motif choices balance cost, durability and recognition.
Symbols & motifs
Unit symbol
The written symbol $ and ISO code SGD identify Singapore dollar in commerce.
National motifs
Portraits, flora, fauna or architecture signal political identity on cash.
Colour language
Denominations use colour and size cues so users sort notes quickly.
Typographic mark
Serial fonts and microtext double as brand and security.
Security features
Watermark
80Portrait or motif watermarks remain a first-line public check.
Security thread
75Embedded or windowed threads show under light and machine sensors.
Holography / OVI
70Optically variable inks and foils shift colour with tilt.
Microprinting
65Tiny text defeats simple scanning and photocopying.
Polymer / substrate
60Polymer or reinforced paper changes tear and soil resistance.
Keep exploring
More in Asia
🇰🇷
KRW
South Korean won
Korea's currency — rebuilt after war and redenomination, now a deep Asian FX market.
Reserve weight 18 🇮🇳 INRIndian rupee
One of the world's oldest named currencies, now serving a vast domestic economy under managed convertibility.
Reserve weight 22 🇭🇰 HKDHong Kong dollar
A currency-board dollar tightly linked to the US dollar since 1983.
Reserve weight 25 🇹🇼 TWDNew Taiwan dollar
Taiwan's currency since the late-1940s reform that ended hyperinflation on the island.
Reserve weight 16 🇹🇭 THBThai baht
Southeast Asia's liquid tourist and trade currency, floating since the 1997 crisis.
Reserve weight 14