Singapore's lunar gold series has been issued annually since 1981, making it one of the longer-running such programs in Southeast Asia. The 2004 Monkey issue falls in the middle of the second cycle through the twelve-year zodiac sequence, Singapore having completed its first full lunar gold series by 1992.
The .9999 fineness distinguishes these from many contemporary bullion issues struck at .999 — a deliberate commercial decision by the Singapore Mint to compete directly with the Perth Mint's lunar series for collector premiums in the regional market.
Singapore's lunar gold series has been issued annually since 1981, making it one of the longer-running such programs in Southeast Asia. The 2004 Monkey issue falls in the middle of the second cycle through the twelve-year zodiac sequence, Singapore having completed its first full lunar gold series by 1992.
The .9999 fineness distinguishes these from many contemporary bullion issues struck at .999 — a deliberate commercial decision by the Singapore Mint to compete directly with the Perth Mint's lunar series for collector premiums in the regional market.