1063) Istana 150th Anniversary Commemoration, Singapore: Istana Souvenir Series II: A set of four Medallions brought out by The Singapore Mint featuring the Flora and Fauna in the Istana - i) Vanda Miss Joachim Orchid & Golden Oriole, ii) Swans and Lesser Whistling Ducks, iii) the Oriental Pied Hornbill & Nutmeg and Spices and iv) Barn Owl amidst tropical fruits and spices: Medallion set issue date: 28.07.2019:
As part of the Istana 150th Anniversary commemoration, the Singapore Mint in collaboration with Istana, has on 28.07.2019 brought out the second issue of the Istana Souvenir Series which showcases the rich flora and fauna diversity within the Istana.
About The Istana:
The Istana is the official residence and office of the President of Singapore.
It was designed and built by Colonial Engineer Major John Frederick Adolphus McNair.
In 1867, the Colonial Government under Harry St. George Ord bought over 100 acres of land belonging to Charles Princep's nutmeg plantation.
In 07/1867, the Foundation Stone was laid. The entire brick-work, exterior of plastering and most of the flooring and interior work was done by Indian convict labourers brought in by the British from Bencoolen in Sumatra because unskilled local coolies at that time were not capable of carrying out the classical design. These Indian convict labourers worked as stone masons, plumbers, carpenters, painters and stone cutters and operated the kilns used for making bricks, mouldings, copings and architraves for on-site construction.
The Government House was built ata total cost of $185,000 with several interruptions in funding the grandiose building.
The Istana which was originally a nutmeg plantation harboured several species of flora and fauna and is presently a verdant green lung in the bustling city centre of Singapore and still is a sanctuary for the conservation of the abundant flora and fauna that it is home to.
The Istana 150 Commemorative issues:
About The Istana:
The Istana is the official residence and office of the President of Singapore.
It was designed and built by Colonial Engineer Major John Frederick Adolphus McNair.
In 1867, the Colonial Government under Harry St. George Ord bought over 100 acres of land belonging to Charles Princep's nutmeg plantation.
In 07/1867, the Foundation Stone was laid. The entire brick-work, exterior of plastering and most of the flooring and interior work was done by Indian convict labourers brought in by the British from Bencoolen in Sumatra because unskilled local coolies at that time were not capable of carrying out the classical design. These Indian convict labourers worked as stone masons, plumbers, carpenters, painters and stone cutters and operated the kilns used for making bricks, mouldings, copings and architraves for on-site construction.
The Government House was built ata total cost of $185,000 with several interruptions in funding the grandiose building.
The Istana which was originally a nutmeg plantation harboured several species of flora and fauna and is presently a verdant green lung in the bustling city centre of Singapore and still is a sanctuary for the conservation of the abundant flora and fauna that it is home to.
The Istana 150 Commemorative issues:
The First issue was launched on the Chinese New Year on 06.02.2019, featuring the architecture of the buildings within the Istana compounds and significant event highlights of the Istana.
A key highlight of the Istana Souvenir Series II, 4-in-i medallion set is the exclusive Istana 150th Anniversary 2 Oz, .999 Fine Silver Proof-Like Medallion, which features the frontal view/stylised representation of the Istana Main building on the Obverse. The Presidential Crest is presented on the Reverse.
A key highlight of the Istana Souvenir Series II, 4-in-i medallion set is the exclusive Istana 150th Anniversary 2 Oz, .999 Fine Silver Proof-Like Medallion, which features the frontal view/stylised representation of the Istana Main building on the Obverse. The Presidential Crest is presented on the Reverse.
The four Medallion set:
Spanning more than 40 hectares, the Istana grounds have always been a sanctuary for birds, horticulture and various other forms of wildlife. This second Souvenir Series celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Istana pays tribute to the important role played by the Istana in maintaining and promoting Singapore's rich bio-diversity.
The Reverse of the four Medallions on this Banner showcases the four medallions - with Vanda Miss Joachim Orchid & the Golden Oriole, the Istana Swans & the Lesser Whistling Ducks, the Oriental Pied Hornbill and the Barn Owl(the last two amongst tropical Fruits & Spices)
Spanning more than 40 hectares, the Istana grounds have always been a sanctuary for birds, horticulture and various other forms of wildlife. This second Souvenir Series celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Istana pays tribute to the important role played by the Istana in maintaining and promoting Singapore's rich bio-diversity.
The four Medallion set consists of the Istana Vanda Miss Joachim, Istana Swans (both 1 Oz .999 Fine Silver Proof-like Medallions) and two unique Medallions that are exclusive only to the 4-in-1 Medallion set - the Oriental Pied Hornbill and the Barn Own amongst tropical fruits and spices found in the Istana on the third and fourth Medallions respectively, as a representation of Istana's active participation in the conservation of endangered native species.
The Four-Medallion Set representing Flora and Fauna of the Istana
The common Obverse of all the four eight-sided/octagonal medallions shows a stylised image of the main building of the Istana.
The inscriptions are - "THE ISTANA SINGAPORE", 1 TROY OZ 999 FINE SILVER", and , on the lower periphery "THE SINGAPORE MINT".
The inscriptions are - "THE ISTANA SINGAPORE", 1 TROY OZ 999 FINE SILVER", and , on the lower periphery "THE SINGAPORE MINT".
Istana Vanda Miss Joachim Orchid :
The Reverse design features the National Flower of Singapore - Vanda Miss Joachim Orchid, which is chosen for its resilience and year round blooming quality, while the Black-naped Oriole is seen against the tree branches.
In the background is seen the Orchid Nursery.
Istana Swans:
This design features a pair of mute swans gracing a pond amidst the water lilies and Lesser Whistling Ducks. The Swans are seen swimming in the Swan Pond which is the largest pond in the Istana.
Oriental Pied Hornbill:
Barn Owl:
The specifications of these Medallions are:
Weight: 31.1 grams or 1 Oz; Diameter/Size: 45.0 mm; Country of issue: Singapore; Occasion: National Day; Metal Composition: .999 Fine Silver; Coin Quality: Proof-Like; Year of issue: 2019; Mintage: 3,000 pieces; Mint: The Singapore Mint.
Links:
2) Coins of Singapore
3) India-Singapore: Joint Issue: 50 Years of Bilateral Relationship: A set of two Commemorative Postage Stamps issued by India Post on 24.11.2015
4) Istana 150th Anniversary Commemoration, Singapore: A set of four Medallions brought out by the Singapore Mint featuring the Flora and Fauna in the Istana
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