Hong Kong Government Ten-Cent Notes (1961–85)
Product Description
This is a 10-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#327 and version code KNB18. It belongs to the same series of first-edition paper subsidiary banknotes from the same period. Appraised and sealed by the internationally renowned PMG banknote grading agency, it received an exceptionally high score of 67 Superb Gem Uncirculated EPQ (Extremely Perfect Uncirculated, Original High-Quality Paper), making it a top-tier collectible of this 10-cent version.
This 10-cent banknote is a characteristic single-sided printing of small-denomination subsidiary banknotes specific to colonial Hong Kong. The reverse side is completely blank, with no printed content. Due to its extensive circulation and wear in early years, a high-grade 67 EPQ uncirculated banknote is extremely rare, making it a core top-tier item for collectors of low-denomination British Hong Kong banknotes.
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 Arabic numerals "10c" and the vertical traditional Chinese characters "拾分" (Ten Cents). The large oval area on the left is covered with a finely textured spiral anti-counterfeiting pattern, and the large vertical characters "拾分" in the center stand out visually. |
| Legal Terms of Circulation | The English text states "THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING TWO DOLLARS." The center prominently displays the English text "TEN CENTS" and the traditional Chinese characters "拾分." The bottom features the issuing authority's name and the original Financial Secretary's signature from 1961–1965. |
| Portrait Type | The right side features an oval border containing a portrait of a young Elizabeth II, only available from 1961–1965. This banknote was originally designed for early versions; later versions replaced the portrait of the middle-aged Queen with a more prominent one, making its age easily identifiable. |
| Printing process | Single-color orange-red intaglio printing with a full-page, intricately detailed anti-counterfeiting background. The lines are three-dimensional and layered, with even and rich ink color, showing no signs of ink smudging, wear, or yellowing. |
Blank Reverse Side
The reverse side of the banknote has no patterns, text, or anti-counterfeiting background. It is printed only on original light off-white special cotton banknote paper, without watermarks or security threads. This is a unique design feature consistent with early Hong Kong one-cent, five-cent, and ten-cent banknotes.
Complete Specifications of the Collection
| Issuing Authority | Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Government |
|---|---|
| Circulation Period | 1961–1965 (No year on the banknote) |
| International Catalogue Number | Pick #327 |
| Printing Type | KNB18 Early Original Signature |
| Face Value | 10 Cents |
| Printing Method | Single-sided intaglio printing, blank reverse |
| Paper Material | High-strength professional cotton banknote paper |
| Grading Condition | PMG 67 Superb Gem Unc EPQ Original, Super Perfect, Uncirculated |
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