PMG Graded Hong Kong Government 5-Cent Banknote (1961–65)
Product Description
This is a 5-cent single-sided subsidiary banknote issued by the British Hong Kong government. It lacks the year of printing (ND), circulated from 1961 to 1965, and has the International Banknote Catalogue number Pick#326 and version code KNB17a. It is the earliest signed original in this 5-cent series. Authenticated and sealed by the internationally renowned banknote grading agency PMG, it received a perfect score of 66 Gem Uncirculated EPQ (Perfect Uncirculated, Original High-Quality Paper), making it a top-tier surviving example of this type.
This 5-cent banknote is a unique single-sided small-denomination subsidiary banknote from colonial Hong Kong, with a completely blank reverse. Due to its large-scale circulation and wear in its early years, 66 EPQ original perfect paper graded banknotes are extremely rare on the market, making it a top-tier specimen for collectors of low-denomination Hong Kong banknotes from British colonial times.
Detailed Explanation of the Front and Back of the Banknote
Front Printing
| Title Text | The top of the banknote features the horizontal English text "GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG," with the corresponding vertical traditional Chinese characters "香港政府" (Hong Kong Government) in the center; |
|---|---|
| Denomination Layout | The four corners are marked with the English "5c" and the vertical traditional Chinese characters "伍分" (Five Cents). A large oval area on the left features a sophisticated spiral security feature, and the central "伍分" stands out visually; |
| Legal Tender Clause | The English note states "THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING TWO DOLLARS." The center prominently displays the English "FIVE CENTS" and the traditional Chinese characters "伍分," and the bottom features the issuing authority's name and the original signature of the Financial Secretary from the first issue in 1961; |
| Portrait Type | The right-side oval border contains a portrait of a young Elizabeth II, exclusive to those from 1961–1965. The initial version used the portrait of a middle-aged queen, which was later replaced in subsequent revisions, giving it a distinct period-identifying characteristic. |
| Printing process | Single-color green intaglio engraving printing, with a full-page, intricately interwoven anti-counterfeiting background pattern. The lines are layered and complete, with even and full ink coverage, showing no signs of ink smudging or wear. |
Blank Reverse Side
The reverse side of the banknote has no patterns, text, or anti-counterfeiting background patterns. It only retains the original off-white special cotton banknote paper, without watermarks or security threads, a unique design feature of Hong Kong's one-cent and five-cent subsidiary banknotes.
Collection Specifications
| Issuing Authority | Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Government |
|---|---|
| Circulation Period | 1961–1965 (Year not indicated on the banknote) |
| International Catalogue Number | Pick #326 |
| Printing Type | KNB17a (First Issue, First Edition, Signed) |
| Face Value | 5 Cents |
| Printing Method | Single-sided intaglio printing, blank reverse |
| Paper Material | High-strength professional cotton banknote paper |
| Grading | PMG 66 Gem Unc EPQ - Pristine, Uncirculated |
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HK$1,000