Hong Kong Government 1945 Five-Cent Banknote
Product Description
This collectible is a 1945 five-cent banknote issued by British Hong Kong after World War II. It lacks the year of issue (ND (1945)) and has the International Banknote Catalogue number Pick#322 and format code KNB11. Professionally sealed and authenticated by PMG, a top international banknote appraisal institution, it received a high grade of 65 Gem Uncirculated EPQ (Perfect new, uncirculated, original high-quality paper).
This banknote is an early post-war single-sided printed everyday banknote. The reverse is blank without any printed text or images. Due to its extensive circulation and wear in early times, a 65-cent EPQ banknote in pristine, undamaged condition is extremely rare. It is a core collectible in a set of 1940s British Hong Kong banknotes.
Detailed Analysis of the Front and Back of the Banknote
Front Printing
| Title Text Layout | ** The top of the banknote features the horizontal English text "GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG," while the top center displays the vertical traditional Chinese characters "香港政府" (Hong Kong Government). The issuing authority is indicated in both English and Chinese. |
|---|---|
| Denomination Layout | ** The four corners of the banknote are printed with the Arabic numeral "5c" and the vertical traditional Chinese characters "伍分" (Five Cents). The large oval area on the left is covered with a finely intricate grid of security features, and the large vertical characters "伍分" (Five Cents) in the center are visually striking. |
| Legal Tender Clause | ** The banknote contains the English text "THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING TWO DOLLARS." The middle section displays the English text "FIVE CENTS" and the traditional Chinese characters "伍分," and the bottom features the original handwritten signature of the Financial Secretary. |
| Unique Portrait of the Era | ** The right oval border features a portrait of King George VI in military uniform. Only available in 1945. The first generation of coins used after World War II, with the 1960s version replacing the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, is a key feature distinguishing the different periods. |
| Printing process | The entire banknote is printed using a single-color intaglio engraving in emerald green, with a full layer of fine, three-dimensional anti-counterfeiting texture. The ink is rich and even, without any signs of circulation such as fading, wear, or stains. |
Blank Reverse Side
The reverse side of the banknote is completely blank, printed only on original off-white high-strength cotton banknote paper. There are no independent patterns, text, watermarks, or security threads. Only a slight trace of ink from the front can be seen through the cover, a characteristic of the unified design of Hong Kong government subsidiary banknotes in the 1940s.
Complete Specifications of the Collection
| Issuing Authority | Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Government (British) |
|---|---|
| Issuance Period | 1945 (No year on the banknote) |
| International Catalogue Number | Pick #322 |
| Version Code | KNB11 Original Post-War Version by King George VI |
| Face Value | 5 Cents |
| Printing Method | Single-sided intaglio printing, blank reverse |
| Paper Material | High-strength professional cotton banknote paper |
| Condition | PMG 65 Gem Unc EPQ, pristine, brand new, uncirculated |
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