1 cent 1945

Common. Despite its age and the 1945 date, eBay sales data shows consistent availability with prices typically ranging from $3–$17 USD for UNC and PMG-graded examples in recent years. The 2016 catalogue value of $2 UNC further supports a common classification. The note was a regular government issue for a major financial center (Hong Kong), and sufficient quantities survive in collector hands to keep prices modest. The uniface design and low denomination suggest a practical circulation issue rather than a commemorative or limited printing.

Issued in 1945 during the final year of World War II, this one cent note represents Hong Kong's post-liberation monetary system following the territory's recovery from Japanese occupation. The note's bilingual English-Chinese inscriptions reflect Hong Kong's colonial administration structure, while the formal legal tender statement emphasizes the Government of Hong Kong's authority to issue currency. The portrait depicted on the obverse represents the reigning British monarch, reinforcing the Crown's sovereignty over the territory during this period of reconstruction and monetary stabilization.

The obverse displays a formal, highly detailed engraved design centered on a portrait of a man in formal diplomatic dress shown in left-facing profile, positioned on the right side of the note. On the left side sits a circular heraldic emblem containing Chinese characters, likely representing official governmental authority. The entire note is framed by ornate decorative borders featuring geometric patterns and fine cross-hatching throughout, serving both aesthetic and security purposes. Corner ornaments in all four corners provide additional decorative framing. The color scheme of dark red/maroon on cream/off-white creates strong visual contrast, enhancing the note's formality and security characteristics.

FRONT: 'GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG' (English) / '香港·政·府' (Chinese - Hong Kong Government); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING ONE DOLLAR' (English legal tender statement); 'ONE CENT' (English denomination) / '壹·分' (Chinese - One Cent); 'FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG' (English issuing authority); 'FINANCIAL SECRETARY' (English official title); signature line with Chinese characters '簽署' (Signature). BACK: Essentially blank with no visible text inscriptions.

Intaglio engraving, characterized by the fine line work, detailed cross-hatching patterns, and precise geometric borders visible throughout the design. The crisp impression of the portrait and ornamental elements, combined with the consistent line work observed in the visual analysis, indicates professional bank note engraving using traditional intaglio plate printing methods. The security patterns—particularly the fine cross-hatching in the background—are typical of high-security currency printing of the 1940s era.

Signature varieties are likely present given the 'FINANCIAL SECRETARY' designation and visible signature line on the obverse, as different officials would have signed notes during the 1945 issue period. Serial number prefixes and specific signature combinations may distinguish different administrative periods within the 1945 issue. Without access to the serial number and specific signature details from the images provided, precise variety identification is not possible, but collectors should note signature variants as a means of sub-cataloging examples of this Pick-321 note.