Singapore ATMs

S.A.M. issues

Study: The self-service S.A.M. machines - Printing varieties - Values
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From 1997 Singapore Post began the installation of a new generation of self-service postal machines known as S.A.M. (Self-service Automated Machine).
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Over the years these dispensers have used labels with different designs when issuing variable value stamps or ATMs.

The first ATM issued by the new machines S.A.M. was launched on May 19th 1997.
The design shows a family enjoying a sunny day in a garden landscape and the issue was called Sunny Singapore.

This ATM exists on different types of self-adhesive papers, with small differences in the design, with and without the phosphor strip.
There are 2 main or basic formats of the main label and small side label:

The first format, (on a waxed backing paper of approximate size 69-70 x 40 mm), has 2 self-adhesive labels of which one is 49 x 26 mm (with the pre-printed design and a vertical phosphorescent strip), used as a stamp, whilst the second (with the black marker), is 10 x 26 mm separated from the ATM by 25 mm. The black marker is read by the printer in order to get the correct impression and position of the machine number and face value. The black marker exists in 2 sizes; 10mm. – in the upper image- or 20mm (right image), although this can only be recognized only in mint ATMs with the original waxed backing paper.

The second basic type of paper is phosphorescent, size 63.5 x 33.5 mm, with a central precut area resulting in a stamp of size 49 x 26 mm, on a waxed backing paper of approximate size 70 x 40 mm.
Also in this case there are 2 sizes black side markers.

Depending on which postal kiosk issues them, there are ATMs of the different designs with different printing varieties (See study >>>).

From November 8th 2000 the S.A.M. machines used a new label.
Following after the series started in 1997, the design of the ATM shows different subjects related to the healthy life. Its an issue called Healthy Living or Healthy Singapore.

Starting from this design, all the stamps include on the reverse side a pre-printed reference and control number indicating the number of labels remaining in the roll (4000 per roll).

This design was produced with the numbers in red, and later reprinted with black numbers.

In the following designs the numbering is always black, although again this feature can only be seen on mint stamps, since the numeration is on the back of the waxed backing paper and is discarded when using the stamp as a franking.

The third ATM series was issued by the S.A.M. machines from June 10th, 2003.
It is a design called Tourist attractions, and shows different tourist sights and attractions of this island city-state in Southeast Asia.

Official First Day Cover edited by the Singapore Philatelic Bureau.
Size: 220 x 110 mm.

Ten years after the first issue, the fourth design for the S.A.M. machines was available from March 15th 2007.
The design is by Leo Teck Chong on the subject of the Garden City, and the rolls of labels on self-adhesive phosphorescent paper are manufactured by the British security printing company BemroseBooth.

The pilot launch of the new design label was on March 15th from S.A.M. machine nr. S001 at the Killiney Road Branch. From March 20th the labels were gradually introduced at all Self-Service Automated Machines.


Covers with ATMs issued by the S.A.M. 2 - S001, with the 2 printing varieties available (face value in Singapore cents and dollars)

The Singapore Philatelic Bureau produced and sold ATMs and First Day Covers, and despite the number S001 on the stamps they were not really issued by the S.A.M. machine installed at Killiney Road. Just compare the images with the ATMs on the previous covers.
(More information about the printing varieties >>>).

Size: 218 x 110 mm.

The postage rates in Singapore

Standardized letters up to 20 g.	Local - Singapore		Zone 1 Malaysia & Brunei		Zone 2 Asia & the Pacific (except Japan, Australia & New Zealand)		Zone 3 Australia, Japan & New Zealand		Zone 4 Rest of the world
Standardized letters up to 20 g.	Letter	(20-40 g)	Letter	Postcard	Letter	Postcard	Letter	Postcard	Letter	Postcard
April 1995	22 c.	30 c.	35 c.	30 c.	60 c.	50 c.	70 c.	50 c.	$ 1.00	50 c.
03.02.04	23 c.	31 c.	40 c.	30 c.	60 c.	50 c.	70 c.	50 c.	$ 1.00	50 c.
							Zone 3 - Rest of the world
							Letter		Postcard
18.12.06	25 c. 1st local	31 c. 2nd local	45 c.	30 c.	65 c.	50 c.	$ 1.10		50 c.

More information about the postage rates and programmed values in S.A.M. machines ...

Study: The self-service S.A.M. machines - Printing varieties - Values
(

Spanish version - English version)