Collection: The Pearl of the Orient: Old Banknotes that Tell the Story of Hong Kong

Explore Hong Kong Notaphily: A Legacy of Colony and Chinese Transition

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Hong Kong banknotes , where each vintage note reflects the transition from British colonialism to the Chinese Special Administrative Region in 1997, and the vibrant fusion of East and West. At Iberoamericana Banknotes , we present our collection of vintage Hong Kong banknotes , meticulously curated for both seasoned collectors and new buyers passionate about the monetary heritage of this South China Sea metropolis. Vintage Hong Kong banknotes are more than just paper money: they are relics that chronicle the introduction of the Hong Kong dollar in 1863, issued by private banks before the Monetary Authority, symbolizing the economic sovereignty of an enclave that transitioned from a British colony to a Chinese Special Administrative Region under "one country, two systems."

The Evolution of Old Hong Kong Banknotes: From the Colonial Dollar to the SAR Dollar

Before 1863, Hong Kong used the Spanish dollar and Chinese coins. In 1863, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) introduced the Hong Kong dollar (HKD), divided into 100 cents. The first old $1 banknotes , issued in 1863, featured the colonial coat of arms and Victoria Harbour. In 1935, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) was founded, assuming banknote issuance in 1993. Following the handover to China in 1997, banknotes began to include Chinese motifs such as the Bank of China . The current series (2018–present) includes polymer in some denominations.

Rare Old Banknotes from Hong Kong: Jewels of Luso-Asian Notaphily

Our collection highlights rare vintage banknotes from Hong Kong , such as:

HSBC Series 1863-1935 : The 10 dollar bill of 1929 with the shield and the Chinese junk.

Standard Chartered Series 1970 : the 1970 $5 note with the British lion and skyline.

1993 Series (HKMA) : The 1993 $100 bill featuring the Chinese dragon and the Bank of China.

Printing errors : banknotes with duplicate serial numbers or without a watermark.

For enthusiasts of Portuguese-Asian banknotes , we offer exclusive pieces such as the 1863 $1 note featuring the port and junk, and the last $1,000 note from 1997 depicting the return to China. These vintage banknotes incorporate advanced security features (especially in later series): metallic thread, a watermark with the bauhinia tree, optically variable ink, and microtext. The rarity of the 1863 HSBC issues and the last 1997 (transitional) notes makes them highly sought after at international auctions, valued for their connection to colonial history and reunification.

Preservation and Authenticity of Old Banknotes: Our Promise

Preservation is paramount in our selection of vintage Hong Kong banknotes . Each piece is graded on standard scales such as VF (Very Fine) or UNC (Uncirculated), preserving details like the lion watermark, fluorescent fibers, and signatures of HSBC or HKMA. We recommend that collectors of rare vintage banknotes verify their integrity under UV light, where elements like the skyline glow in shades of yellow or green. At Iberoamericana Banknotes , all our pieces come from verified sources, avoiding common forgeries found in HSBC-era replicas.

Why Collect Old Hong Kong Banknotes

From the 1929 $10 note with the crest and junk to the 1993 $100 note with the dragon and the Bank, this collection offers a window into Hong Kong's history: colonialism, prosperity, and reunification. Each vintage banknote reflects key moments, such as the founding of HSBC in 1865 or its return to the city in 1997. For new collectors , it's an entry point into Asian banknote collecting; for seasoned collectors , it's a chance to acquire complete series that will enrich any collection.

Trust Iberoamericana Banknotes

At Iberoamericana Banknotes , we guarantee the authenticity of every vintage banknote with detailed certificates and expertise in Ibero-American and Asian numismatics. We offer pieces in optimal condition for your collectible collection and secure, discreet international shipping to any destination. Trust our authority to elevate your passion for vintage Hong Kong banknotes to new heights.