SINGAPORE: Coin collectors can look forward to a new set of coins - this time to commemorate Singapore's 42 years of independence.

An unusual setting was chosen for the launch - a tour of the Marina Bay aboard a traditional bumboat along the Singapore River.

The S$2 coins were launched by the Monetary Authority of Singapore in conjunction with this year's National Day.

The main feature is the NDP 2007 logo and the new venue for the parade - the world's largest floating platform at Marina Bay. The other side bears the Singapore Arms with the year 2007.

The coins will be issued on 23 July and sold by The Singapore Mint.

Said Jason Chen, Assistant Vice President, Marketing, The Singapore Mint, "We have decided to feature the floating performance platform as the central subject in this year's commemorative coins.

"We have also featured four children on the coin design. This is meant to reflect the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic composition of Singapore society as well as our aspirations for our next generation moving towards Singapore's future."

For the S$2 Silver Proof Coin, there will be a mintage of 8,000 pieces priced at S$64 each, whereas for the S$2 Cupro-Nickel Coin, mintage will be based on the demand and costs S$19.50 each.

Alternatively, the public can also purchase the 2-in-1 coin set, which costs S$96 for a set, with a low mintage of 3,000 sets.

More information can be found at The Singapore Mint website - http://www.singaporemint.com. - CNA/yy