A Masterpiece of Pre-Modern Hong Kong Currency Own a flawless piece of Hong Kong’s financial history with this 1973 HSBC Ten Dollar banknote. Issued during a time of rapid urban development in the colony, this note is prized for its large dimensions and beautiful intaglio engraving. In Uncirculated (UNC) condition, this note is bank-fresh, featuring razor-sharp corners and the original "crinkle" of high-quality security paper.

Design Features:

• Obverse: Features a classical seated allegorical woman on the left, representing agriculture or abundance, and the iconic HSBC Coat of Arms (Lion and Unicorn) in the center. The background consists of intricate, multicolored lathe-work.

• Reverse: Showcases the old HSBC Head Office building (the 1935 structure) at 1 Queen's Road Central, framed by elegant scrollwork and the denomination in traditional Chinese.

• Watermark: Features a high-contrast Lion’s head, a hallmark of HSBC security.

• Date: Clearly dated 31st March 1973.

• Printer: Produced by the renowned Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. Ltd. in England.

Collector’s Significance: The 1973 issue is one of the final years for this specific large-sized design before the transition to the smaller, more modern notes of the 1980s. Finding a 50-year-old note in a true UNC state is increasingly difficult, as these were the primary denomination for daily transactions in 1970s Hong Kong.

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