The face of Lee Kuan Yew, the first prime minister of Singapore, will be engraved on medallions to be launched to mark the fifth anniversary of his death.

The Singapore Mint said on Monday, March 2, 2020 that the Pride of Singapore medallion range comprises four commemorative gold, silver, and base-metal medallions, as well as made-to-order copper busts.

As of 7pm on Monday (Mar. 2), however, the medallions were no longer available for order on the Singapore Mint’s website.

There is a notice on the site that stated that Singapore Mint has “temporarily suspended” this program until further notice.

Second issue of Singapore Salute Series

The latest launch is the second issue of the Singapore Mint's Singapore Salute Series.

Sir Stamford Raffles medallions were the first issue launched in 2019 to commemorate the Singapore Bicentennial.

Lee's medallions are to mark the fifth anniversary of his death on March 23, 2015.

The new issue features 1/2 oz 999.9 fine gold and 1 oz 999 fine silver oval-shaped medallions engraved with the portrait of Lee.

The copper and nickel-plated zinc medallions of the issue also have sampans and Singapore's skyline on the reverse side.

They represent the development of Singapore from modest beginnings.

The medallions are available at early bird prices between S$10 and S$1,888 each.

The copper busts are available in 110mm and 430mm sizes are made to order.

No prices were stated for these.

Pre-orders can be made from March 2 to 15 at the Singapore Mint's outlets and online store.

The minting of this new range of medallions might come as a surprise to Singaporeans though.

Lee had previously expressed strongly as early as 2003 that he was not interested in "hagiography", and he was opposed to anything too reverential.

The medallions are also being released during what many assume would be a general election year in Singapore.