Staff at a Hougang zi char stall were baffled on Aug 2 when a customer handed over a $10 banknote featuring Singapore’s first president, Yusof Ishak, with its moustache scratched off and scratch marks around the eyelids, according to local reporting by Lianhe Zaobao. The altered currency note initially triggered fears of counterfeiting before bank examinations confirmed the cash was authentic.
The incident occurred at around noon at 21 Seafood, located in Hougang. The 42-year-old chef at the stall, Zhang Xiao Hai (transliterated), stated to Lianhe Zaobao that he noticed nothing unusual when accepting the tender, but spotted the discrepancy while issuing change to patrons.
Zhang noted that the portrait’s eyes appeared considerably larger and stared directly ahead, while the missing facial hair gave the depiction an unusually startled expression. Believing counterfeit currency to be rare in Singapore, Zhang admitted he only glanced at the denomination’s face value rather than inspecting the fine details during the transaction.
Although staff at the eatery initially suspected a fake, they did not pursue the matter further until later in the month. On Aug 27, eatery owner Mr Guo (transliterated) took the altered $10 bill to a neighbourhood police post, where officers advised him to have the cash authenticated by financial institutions.
Guo visited local branches of OCBC and DBS that same day. Bank staff at both institutions took the note to their back offices for examination and confirmed that the physical currency was genuine, though it had sustained damage from a sharp object.
According to Guo, OCBC representatives offered to help exchange the damaged bill, but he declined because he wanted to keep it. Staff at DBS attempted to file a police report regarding the note, but officers declined to log a report since the tender was officially verified as genuine.
When Lianhe Zaobao visited 21 Seafood on Aug 28, the banknote’s color, texture, and underlying security features appeared completely identical to standard currency. Fine scratches remained clearly visible around the portrait’s eyes and upper lip.
Guo stated that he has no intention of spending the altered bill and plans to retain it as a personal souvenir. Photos of the curious currency later circulated on Xiaohongshu after a staff member posted about the encounter online, prompting online discussions and offers from netizens attempting to purchase the note at a high price.
Did You Know? The altered banknote features Singapore’s first president, Yusof Ishak, whose portrait has appeared on the nation’s currency notes since the launch of the Portrait Series in 1999.
Legal Regulations Governing Damaged Currency in Singapore
Under the Currency Act in Singapore, deliberately damaging or defacing circulating tender is treated as a legal offense. Specifically, the legislation prohibits the mutilation of any currency note or coin, causing alterations to coins that diminish their value, printing or stamping on currency notes, or defacing coins with stamped names and words.
Individuals found guilty of these offenses face financial penalties of up to $2,000. Additionally, official guidelines issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) stipulate that local merchants maintain the right to refuse acceptance of mutilated money.
Official criteria classify notes as mutilated if they are torn, scorched, burned, attacked by pests and insects, stained by ink or chemicals, defaced by markings or writing, or perforated with portions missing.
Expert Insight: While discovering altered currency often causes immediate alarm for retail staff, financial institutions rely on underlying security threads, watermarks, and paper composition rather than surface artwork to authenticate legal tender. Damaged notes that retain these core security features remain technically valid, though merchants are never legally obligated to accept defaced currency in daily commerce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the $10 note at the Hougang zi char stall?
According to staff interviews, a $10 banknote received at 21 Seafood on Aug 2 had the portrait’s moustache scraped off and scratch marks around the eyelids, creating a wide-eyed expression that initially led workers to suspect a fake.
Did the banks confirm the banknote was real?
Yes. Eatery owner Mr Guo took the note to OCBC and DBS branches on Aug 27, where back-office examinations confirmed the cash was genuine but physically altered by a sharp object.
What are the legal consequences for defacing currency in Singapore?
Under the Currency Act, individuals convicted of mutilating currency notes or coins can face a fine of up to $2,000.
What would you do if you received an unusual, altered banknote in your daily change?
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