1 Cent HKD #244

Front

Queen Elizabeth II (b. 1926, r. 1952–2022), whose portrait appeared on Hong Kong Government currency during the colonial period. As British monarch and head of state, her effigy was featured on banknotes and coins throughout the Commonwealth. This note is denominated in cents, reflecting Hong Kong's dollar-cent decimal system introduced in 1863, with these small-denomination government notes issued alongside higher-value commercial bank notes.

Back

Plain reverse without printed design. Government of Hong Kong cent notes typically featured minimal or no reverse printing, reflecting their function as low-value circulating currency for everyday transactions. The blank back was a cost-saving measure for these frequently-used small denominations.

History

Government of Hong Kong cent notes were issued from 1945 following the Japanese occupation through the 1970s, denominated as legal tender for amounts not exceeding one dollar as stated on the face. These small notes circulated alongside coins and higher-denomination banknotes issued by commercial banks (HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Bank of China). The signature of C. F. Follows places this note in the 1960s period. Cent notes were gradually phased out as coins became more prevalent for small transactions, and were formally demonetized in 1995. The series represents Hong Kong's transitional colonial currency system before the modern Hong Kong dollar regime.