1 dollar 1952

Common. While this is a classic 1952 issue with strong collector appeal, eBay market data indicates significant supply at multiple grade levels. Recent sales of UNC specimens have ranged from $150–$167, establishing strong but not exceptional demand; however, the consistent availability of this note across a wide range of conditions (from F to UNC) and the numerous documented sales spanning a decade demonstrate this is a widely held note. The Pick catalog values (UNC: $125 in 2016) and the regular appearance of examples in the secondary market confirm this is a standard circulation-era issue with substantial surviving populations, making it common despite its numismatic interest.

Issued on 1st January 1952 by the Government of Hong Kong during the final years of King George VI's reign, this banknote reflects Hong Kong's post-war recovery and the continuation of British imperial monetary authority in the colony. The portrait of George VI and the formal 'Government of Hong Kong' inscription on the obverse underscore Hong Kong's status as a Crown colony at this period. The decorative urn motif and bilingual English-Chinese inscriptions represent the dual cultural identity of Hong Kong's financial system during the early Cold War era.

The obverse features King George VI in formal profile facing right, positioned at the right side of the note in a classical portrait style typical of Commonwealth currency of the period. A decorative urn or ceremonial vessel with a crown above it is enclosed in an oval vignette on the left, flanked by ornamental corner medallions with floral designs. The reverse presents a symmetrical composition centered on an ornate coat of arms or shield containing the same crowned urn motif, with laurel wreaths and radiating geometric patterns extending outward. The entire design employs fine line engraving with intricate geometric borders, wave patterns, and scrollwork, rendered primarily in dark green on a light cream background. Bilingual text in English and Chinese characters frames the design elements on both sides, reflecting Hong Kong's colonial yet culturally hybrid character.

FRONT: 'GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG' (English) / '香港政府' (Chinese: Government of Hong Kong) / 'ONE DOLLAR' (English) / '壹圓' (Chinese: One Dollar) / 'HONGKONG 1ST JANUARY 1952' (Issue date) / 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (Legal tender declaration) / 'FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG' (Issuing authority) / 'FINANCIAL SECRETARY' (Position of signatory Arthur Clarke) / 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & Co LD ENGRAVERS, NEW MALDEN, SURREY, ENGLAND' (Printer attribution) / Serial number: 'L/5 399746'. BACK: 'GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG' (English) / '$1' and 'ONE DOLLAR' (Denomination) / '壹圓' (Chinese: One Dollar) / 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & Co LD ENGRAVERS, NEW MALDEN, SURREY, ENGLAND' (Printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), executed by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd, a renowned British security printer based in New Malden, Surrey. The fine line work, intricate geometric patterns, detailed vignette rendering, and the characteristic depth and crisp impression visible in the visual analysis are hallmarks of the intaglio process. The complex border designs, portrait engraving, and security features (fine line work and engraved patterns) reflect the high-security standards employed by this specialist printer for government currency production.

This specimen is identified as Pick 324b, corresponding to the 1952 issue date. The serial number prefix 'L/5' and the specific signature of Financial Secretary Arthur Clarke are consistent with the standard 1952 variety. The note exhibits the characteristic dark green coloration on multicolor underprint specified for this issue. No obvious overprints, color varieties, or signature varieties are evident from the visual analysis. Collectors should note that Pick 324a denotes the earlier 1949 issue; this 1952 example (324b) represents the later variety with the same design but updated date.