Hong Kong Government Ten-Cent Notes (1961–85)
Product Description
This collectible is a 10-cent banknote issued by the British Hong Kong government between 1961 and 1965. It lacks the official year of issue (ND), has the International Banknote Catalogue number Pick#327, and the format code KNB18. It belongs to the same series of single-sided printed subsidiary banknotes as the 5-cent and 1-cent banknotes of the same period. It has been encapsulated and certified by the globally authoritative banknote grading agency PMG, receiving a top-tier grade of 67 Superb Gem Uncirculated EPQ (Extremely Perfect, Uncirculated, Original High-Quality Paper). This is a top-quality surviving example of this format.
This 10-cent banknote is a unique single-sided design small-denomination banknote from colonial Hong Kong. The reverse side has no printed images or text. Due to its extensive circulation and wear in early daily transactions, 67 EPQ banknotes in pristine condition without any artificial alterations are extremely rare on the market, making it a core collectible among low-denomination Hong Kong banknotes from British colonial times.
Detailed Analysis of the Front and Back of the Banknote
Main Printing on the Front
| Title Text Layout | ** The top of the banknote features the horizontal English text "GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG," while the center displays the vertical traditional Chinese characters for "香港政府" (Hong Kong Government). The issuing authority is clearly stated in both English and Chinese. |
|---|---|
| Denomination Design | ** The four corners of the banknote are printed with the Arabic numerals "10c" and the vertical traditional Chinese characters for "拾分" (ten cents). The large oval area on the left is covered with a finely detailed spiral security feature, and the large vertical characters for "拾分" in the center are visually striking. |
| Legal Currency Notes | ** The banknote states the circulation rules in English: "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 for "拾分." The bottom features the issuing authority's name along with the original Financial Secretary's signature from that period. |
| Exclusive Portrait Version | ** The right oval border features an engraved portrait of a young Queen Elizabeth II. Only available from 1961–1965. Early versions used the original portrait of the Queen, which was later replaced in redesigns, giving it unique period-identifying characteristics. |
| Printing process | The entire banknote is printed using orange-red monochrome intaglio engraving, with a full-page, finely interwoven anti-counterfeiting background pattern. The lines are three-dimensional and complete, with even and rich ink color, showing no ink smudging, wear, yellowing, or discoloration. |
Blank Reverse Side
The reverse side of the banknote is completely blank, without patterns, text, or anti-counterfeiting features. It retains only the original light beige special cotton banknote paper, without watermarks or security threads. This is a classic design feature consistent with the 1-cent, 5-cent, and 10-cent banknotes issued in Hong Kong in the 1960s.
Collection Specifications
| Issuing Authority | Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Government (British) |
|---|---|
| Circulation Years | 1961–1965 (No year on the banknote) |
| International Catalogue Number | Pick #327 |
| Version Code | KNB18 Early Original Signature |
| Face Value | 10 Cents |
| Printing Method | Single-sided intaglio printing, blank reverse |
| Paper Material | High-strength professional cotton banknote paper |
| Condition | PMG 67 Superb Gem Unc EPQ, pristine condition, uncirculated |
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