1 cent 1941
Market Prices
38 salesAbout This Note
This Government of Hong Kong 1 cent note from 1941 (Pick P-313b) presents as an exceptional example in uncirculated condition, displaying the characteristic brown obverse with cream underprint and vibrant red reverse. The note features intricate decorative frames with a crowned emblem at top center, bilingual English-Chinese inscriptions, and fine crosshatch security patterns throughout. As evidenced by the visual inspection showing minimal wear and vibrant color consistency, this UNC specimen represents a well-preserved piece of Hong Kong's early wartime currency.
Common. eBay market data provided shows consistent sales activity across multiple condition grades from 2009 to 2026, with UNC examples selling for approximately $20, and most graded examples (PMG 63-67) ranging from $16-72. The consistent availability across grades and regular auction activity indicates this was a standard issue with adequate print runs. The 2016 catalog value of $6 UNC further supports common classification.
Issued during World War II when Hong Kong was occupied by Japan (December 1941 onwards), these Government of Hong Kong cent notes represent the final territorial currency issued before Japanese military notes replaced them. The note's emphasis on the Crown and 'Government of Hong Kong' authority reflects the pre-occupation colonial administration, while the bilingual Chinese-English text underscores Hong Kong's dual cultural and administrative heritage during the British colonial period.
The obverse features a formal governmental design centered on a crowned heraldic emblem representing British sovereignty, flanked by decorative medallions containing Chinese characters. The denomination is prominently displayed in large numerals within an ornamental scalloped cartouche frame, surrounded by fine crosshatch background patterns typical of security printing of the era. The reverse maintains a simpler, elegant design with the same scalloped frame containing bilingual denomination text ('ONE CENT'/'壹札'), set against a uniform wavy or rippled background pattern. Both sides employ symmetrical corner designs with denomination markers, reflecting the formal governmental authority of the issuer.
FRONT SIDE: 'Government of Hong Kong' (English); '府政港香' (Chinese: Hong Kong Government); 'CENT' and denomination '1' in corners; 'These notes are legal tender for the payment of any amount not exceeding one dollar'; 'For the Government of Hong Kong'; 'R.E. Stott, Financial Secretary' (signature and title); Serial number 'A 7363361'. BACK SIDE: 'Government of Hong Kong' (English); '1c' in all four corners; 'ONE CENT' (English text); '壹' (Chinese numeral for one); '札' (Chinese for note/ticket).
Intaglio printing (likely recess-printed letterpress combined with lithography) utilizing fine line work and intricate crosshatch patterns as security features. The sharp detail in the ornamental frames, crown, and background patterns, combined with the precise color registration visible between the brown/tan obverse and red reverse, indicates classical security printing methods employed by British colonial currency producers of the 1940s. The printer was likely a British security printer such as Waterlow & Sons or De La Rue, though specific attribution for this Pick number requires archival confirmation.
This example is identified as variety P-313b with prefix 'A' and serial number A 7363361. The Financial Secretary signature appears to be 'R.E. Stott.' Different signature varieties and serial number prefixes may exist for this issue. The Pick P-313b designation suggests this is a later printing or variant distinct from P-313a; collectors should note signature varieties and serial prefixes as distinguishing characteristics between printings of this 1941 cent note.
