1 dollar 1959

Common. This note is commonly encountered in the collector market, as evidenced by extensive eBay transaction history spanning from 2010 to 2026 with regular sales occurring across all condition grades. UNC specimens typically sell in the $20-$40 range, with the 2016 catalog value for UNC listed at $45. While some exceptional examples (PMG 67-68) have achieved higher prices ($100+), ordinary UNC examples consistently trade below $50, indicating substantial print runs and ready availability. The note does not carry designations as scarce or rare in standard references, and its regular appearance in auction markets confirms common status.

This 1959 note represents Hong Kong's continued use of British Commonwealth monetary imagery during the post-war colonial period, specifically featuring Queen Elizabeth II who had ascended the throne in 1952. The legal tender declaration and formal Government of Hong Kong inscription reflect the territory's status as a British crown colony, with the Financial Secretary's signature authority (Arthur Clarke) emphasizing colonial administrative governance. The July 1st issue date marks Hong Kong's mid-century currency standardization, occurring during a period of economic development and stability before the territory's transition away from Sterling-based currency systems.

The obverse features a formal profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II positioned on the right side, depicted in elegant formal dress with tiara, facing left in classical Commonwealth banknote tradition. The design incorporates ornamental urns or vase motifs on the left side with four-leaf clover or quatrefoil designs in all corners, creating a balanced compositional layout. The reverse presents a purely decorative design centered around an ornamental emblem with geometric and scrollwork patterns, symmetrically flanked by elaborate flourishes typical of high-security engraved banknote design. Both sides employ extensive fine-line engraving with cross-hatching patterns creating wavy backgrounds and complex geometric frameworks, characteristic of Bradbury Wilkinson's masterful security printing techniques. The color scheme of dark green on multicolor underprint creates visual depth and enhances the note's counterfeit-resistant properties.

FRONT SIDE: 'GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG' (top center); 'ONE DOLLAR' (right side); '圓壹' [One Dollar in Chinese] (right side); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (center); 'HONGKONG 1st JULY 1959' (center); 'FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG' (lower center); Signature: 'Arthur Clarke' with title 'FINANCIAL SECRETARY' (lower center); Serial number '6Y 947219' (both sides); Printer mark: 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD ENGRAVERS, NEW MALDEN, SURREY, ENGLAND' (bottom). REVERSE SIDE: 'GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG' (top); '$1' and 'ONE DOLLAR' (corners and center); '圓' [Dollar in Chinese] (center); Printer mark: 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD, NEW MALDEN, SURREY, ENGLAND' (bottom).

This note was produced by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd of New Malden, Surrey, England, utilizing steel-plate intaglio (engraving and recess printing) techniques. The visible characteristics include intricate fine-line engraving throughout, detailed cross-hatching patterns, and complex geometric designs in backgrounds that are hallmarks of intaglio printing's depth and security features. The multicolor underprint visible beneath the primary green impressions indicates a multi-stage printing process, likely combining intaglio primary printing with supplementary color applications. The sharp clarity and precision of all engraved elements, along with the absence of any printing flaws in this UNC specimen, demonstrates the technical excellence of Bradbury Wilkinson's security printing standards during this period.

This specific specimen is identified as Pick-324Ab with the issue date of 1st July 1959. The serial number prefix '6Y' is visible, which may indicate a printing block or series variant, though detailed variety cataloging for Hong Kong 1 Dollar notes of this period would require comparison across documented serial number ranges. The signature of Arthur Clarke as Financial Secretary is the authorized signature for this issue period. The Bradbury Wilkinson printer identification is consistent across all examples of this Pick number. No overprints or special markings are visible on this specimen. Collectors should note that while this Pick-324Ab represents the 1959 issue, earlier related issues exist (Pick-324a and others) with different design features or signatures, making variety identification important for serious collectors.