1 dollar 1958

Common. Market data from realbanknotes.com shows consistent, robust trading activity for this note across all condition grades over approximately 15 years (2010-2026), with UNC examples regularly selling in the $16-$41 range and averaging approximately $30-35 USD. The extensive eBay sales history with multiple transactions per year indicates substantial circulation among collectors and indicates this was a substantial print run. While less common than modern currency, this note is standard within the Hong Kong colonial banknote market and poses no scarcity.

Issued on 1st July 1958, this banknote represents Hong Kong's currency during the final decade of colonial administration under the British Crown, evident from the 'Government of Hong Kong' inscription and Queen Elizabeth II's portrait. The note was signed by Arthur Clarke as Financial Secretary, reflecting the administrative hierarchy of the colonial period. The Bradbury Wilkinson engraving—a premier British security printer—underscores the formal, ceremonial nature of Hong Kong's currency even as the territory navigated the geopolitical complexities of the Cold War era.

The obverse features Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in formal profile facing right, wearing a tiara and pearl earrings, positioned on the right side of the note. The left side contains an ornamental circular frame with Chinese characters (香港政府五十L) representing the Government of Hong Kong. Circular denomination seals marked with '1' appear in all four corners. The reverse displays a prominent shield-shaped ornamental cartouche containing the denomination text 'ONE DOLLAR' / '壹' in the center, flanked by symmetrical decorative palm frond or botanical motifs. Dollar signs ($1) appear in all four corners. The entire design is rendered in green and cream/white tones with extensive fine-line engraving and intricate cross-hatching creating a complex security background with wave-like patterns and ornamental scrollwork throughout.

Front side: 'GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG' (top center); 'ONE DOLLAR' and '圓壹' (one dollar in Chinese); 'HONGKONG 1ST JULY 1958' (issue date); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); 'FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG / Arthur Clarke / FINANCIAL SECRETARY' (authorization and signature); 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD ENGRAVERS, NEW MALDEN, SURREY, ENGLAND' (printer attribution); Serial number '5L 146990'. Back side: 'GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG' (top); 'ONE DOLLAR' / '$1' / '壹' (denomination in English and Chinese); 'DOLLAR' (denomination text); 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD NEW MALDEN, SURREY, ENGLAND' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) executed by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd of New Malden, Surrey, England. The banknote exhibits characteristic features of high-quality intaglio work including sharp, fine lines, complex geometric patterns, elaborate cross-hatching, and multi-level background security designs with wave patterns and ornamental borders. The two-color printing (green and black on cream underprint) utilizes the precision and security characteristics typical of Bradbury Wilkinson's work, with security elements integrated throughout rather than isolated in specific features.

Pick 324Ab specifically indicates the 1958 issue dated '1ST JULY 1958' signed by Financial Secretary Arthur Clarke. The serial number prefix '5L' is visible on the examined specimen (5L 146990). This variety is distinguishable from other 1 Dollar Hong Kong notes by the specific issue date, Arthur Clarke signature, and the 1958 date imprint. Earlier issues under Pick 324a would carry different signatures and dates (1949-1952 era with George VI portrait per catalog reference). This represents the Queen Elizabeth II era notes of the series.