1958 Hong Kong 1 Dollar – A Colonial-Era Currency

Explore the 1958 Hong Kong 1 Dollar note (P-324A), a fascinating piece from Hong Kong’s monetary system during British rule.

Historical Context

Issued by the Government of Hong Kong, this 1 Dollar note was part of the final series of paper banknotes for this denomination before being replaced by a coin in 1960. During the late 1950s, Hong Kong was undergoing rapid industrialization, and this banknote reflects the colonial administration’s efforts to maintain financial stability in a growing economy.

Key Features & Specifications

Pick Number: P-324A

Denomination: 1 Hong Kong Dollar

Material: Paper

Issuing Authority: Government of Hong Kong

Size: 126 × 79 mm

Printer: Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., United Kingdom

Demonetized: 1960

Design Elements

Front: A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, symbolizing British sovereignty over Hong Kong, with the denomination prominently displayed in both English and Chinese.

Back: A simple yet elegant design featuring the denomination in the center and corners, reinforcing the note’s practical use in daily transactions.

Security Features

Watermark: Cotton-based paper with embedded watermark for authenticity

Security Thread: None

Bilingual Text: English and Traditional Chinese script for accessibility

Collector’s Appeal

This 1 Dollar note is a prized addition for numismatists, offering a blend of colonial history, artistic design, and transitional monetary significance. As one of the last paper banknotes of its kind before Hong Kong shifted to coinage, it remains a sought-after item for collectors interested in British-era Hong Kong currency.