..Hong Kong Special Administrative Region - $10 Polymer issues

中華人民共和國香港特別行政區

(Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China)

 

香港金融管理局

(Hong Kong Monetary Authority - HKMA)

Currency - Dollar (HKD) 

 

This is the one and only banknote currently issued by the Government of Hong Kong. This series was first introduced in 2002, when all the commercial banks in Hong Kong ceased printed the $10 banknotes. Obviously, there is still a demand for such denomination by the people of Hong Kong and since the commercial banks decided not to issue them anymore, the HKMA took over this responsible role and issue their own note. I can only think of two reasons as to why this $10 note is still required in Hong Kong. One is for tipping goods and services received. The other one is very similar to tipping is the red package (Hong Bao) for New Year celebration, wedding, birthday or any special or auspicious occasion celebrations. Whilst the amount is nominal, it is the gesture that counts.

 

Between 2002 and 2005, all the Hong Kong SAR $10 issued were printed on 100% cotton fibre material. In 2007, polymer banknote technology was then introduced and HKMA printed Hong Kong's first $10 polymer note with a date of 01.04.2007 and released to the public on 09.07.2007. It was then reported that this polymer note celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Returning of Hong Kong to China (1997-2007), but with no commemorative text printed on the note. At the time of the printing, this note was meant to be on trial for a period of two years. Since then, reprints have been issued with the year dates printed on, first October 2007, and then 2012, 2014 and now this 2018.

 

The designs for this $10 paper and the polymer notes are the same, except the transparent window is added to the polymer note (paper water mark area) as additional security. The designs for this note are just geometric patterns on the front and back. I am not sure why HKMA did not introduce some key features such as scenery or famous landmarks of Hong Kong. I understand that the three commercial banks have their own banknotes designed to show case the beauty of Hong Kong. In my opinion, any design other than this current one is still better. Perhaps some designs like the Hong Kong Legislative Council complex on the front and the map of Hong Kong looking down from the sky on the back, or some Chinese calligraphy character writings.

 

The current 2018 note has the following signatures printed on the note

Hong Kong Financial Secretary - Paul Chan Mo-po (陳茂波) since 16.01.2017;

Chief Executive Monetary Authority - Norman Chan Tak-Lam (陳德霖) Tenure 2007-2009.

Ten Dollars

Dated 1.4.2007, P401a

 

Ten Dollars

Dated 01.10.2007, P401b

 

Ten Dollars

Dated 01.01.2012, P401c

 

Ten Dollars

Dated 01.01.2014, P401d

Reverse

 

Ten Dollars - 01.07.2018

Hong Kong Financial Secretary - Paul Chan Mo-po (陳茂波) since 16.01.2017;

Chief Executive Monetary Authority - Norman Chan Tak-Lam (陳德霖) Tenure 2007-2009.

 

Ten Dollars

Dated 01.07.2018

Reverse