Hong Kong Government One-Dollar Banknote, 1940–41 (George VI, Pick #316)

This is a legal tender one-dollar banknote issued by the Hong Kong government and printed by the British firm Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. (BWC). It bears no official date of issue and is cataloged as ND (1940–41); the specimen shown here has been graded PMG 64 EPQ (Choice Uncirculated, indicating exceptional paper quality).

Obverse Design

• The top features the text "GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG" in large letters, accompanied by the Chinese characters "府政港香" (Government of Hong Kong) written from right to left—reflecting the traditional horizontal writing style.
• The right side displays a portrait of King George VI in military uniform, the most iconic portrait found on Hong Kong banknotes during the early World War II era.
• The center features the denomination "ONE DOLLAR" (in both English and Chinese) and the statement "THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT," signifying its status as legal currency.
• Serial numbers appear in the bottom-left and top-right corners (the specimen shown bears the number E/2 012109). A facsimile of the Financial Secretary's handwritten signature appears at the bottom, with the full name of the British printer noted at the very base.
• The overall color scheme combines a golden-yellow background with blue ornamentation; the border patterns are intricate and detailed, utilizing finely engraved background designs for security.

Reverse Design

• The dominant color is blue, featuring the Chinese characters for "One Dollar" (壹圆) in a large seal script style at the center, flanked by the English text "ONE DOLLAR" above and below.
• The design incorporates a radiating wavy-line background pattern and geometric scrollwork, with the "$1" denomination marked in all four corners.
• Full details regarding the printing company are printed at the bottom.