SINGAPORE — To commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced the launch of a S$10 coin, with applications starting from Monday (May 15).

Only Singaporeans and permanent residents may apply for up to five of the gold coins, which is named the LKY100 coin. Applications close on June 9 and the coins will be available for collection from September 2023, said the central bank in a media release.

The LKY100 coin is a tribute to Mr Lee's “strategic vision, boldness and indomitable spirit that transformed Singapore from a regional trading port to a global manufacturing, business and financial hub, creating opportunities for all Singaporeans”. Mr Lee was born on Sept 16, 1923.

Minted in aluminium bronze, the gold coins have a diameter of 30mm, about 22 per cent larger than the current third series S$1 circulation coins of 24.65mm. 

Designed by local artist Weng Ziyan, the front side of the coin shows a dual image just below the Singapore Coat of Arms that would display Mr Lee’s birth year when viewed from one angle and "2023" when viewed from another.

The reverse side of the coin features a portrait of Mr Lee, accompanied in the foreground by the Marina Barrage, representing Mr Lee’s vision to build a freshwater reservoir in the city.