Singapore to stop issuing 1 cent coins

Asian Political News, March 4, 2002

SINGAPORE, Feb. 27 Kyodo

Singapore will stop issuing 1 cent coins from April, the Board of Commissioners of Currency said Wednesday.

The main reason is that the humble 1 cent coin is not actively used by people in the affluent city state anymore, the board said.

But the coins will remain legal tender and can still be used, it said in a statement.

The board has been issuing more than 50 million new 1 cent coins each year.

The tiny copper-red coin currently has the state crest of a shield emblazoned with a crescent moon and five stars between a lion and a tiger on one side, and the national flower -- an orchid hybrid -- on the other side.

Retailers in the city state are being encouraged to round off the odd cents in future purchases.

Other countries that have stopped issuing 1 cent coins include Australia, India, New Zealand and Denmark.