10 cents 1945

Common. The eBay price data provided shows consistent sales across all condition grades, with UNC examples bringing $18 according to 2016 catalogue values and historical auction data. The wide range of sold examples (from VG at $1.25 to PMG 67 at $57) indicates a healthy supply in the market. This is a regular issue from a major colonial government with substantial print runs, and the abundance of data points spanning over a decade confirms robust collector interest and availability. Notes of this type and period typically trade as common unless they exhibit specific varieties or exceptional rarity factors, which are not evident here.

Issued by the Government of Hong Kong in 1945 during the final months of World War II, this banknote represents the territory's currency during a pivotal moment in its history. The portrait of King George VI reflects Hong Kong's status as a British colony, while the bilingual inscriptions in English and Traditional Chinese characters underscore the dual cultural identity of the colony. The denomination and design are consistent with the Government of Hong Kong's post-war currency stabilization efforts following the Japanese occupation.

The obverse features an ornate frame design typical of mid-twentieth century Commonwealth currency. The central portrait on the right depicts King George VI in formal profile within an elaborate oval medallion, rendered in fine engraving detail characteristic of security printing of the era. On the left side, a circular medallion contains the Chinese characters '拾分' (ten cents). The design is unified by intricate geometric border patterns and corner ornaments marked '10c', creating a balanced composition in red and pink on a grayish underprint. The note is uniface (design appears on obverse only), with the reverse remaining essentially blank. The bilingual text at top and bottom reinforces the British colonial administration's authority while acknowledging the Chinese population.

FRONT SIDE: 'GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG' (English) / '香港政府' (Chinese - Government of Hong Kong) / 'TEN CENTS' (English) / '拾分' (Chinese - Ten Cents) / 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING TWO DOLLARS' (English) / 'FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF HONGKONG' (English) / 'FINANCIAL SECRETARY' (English) / '10c' (denomination marker). BACK SIDE: Largely blank or containing only faint markings not clearly legible in the visual analysis.

Intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the fine-line work, sharp portrait detail, and intricate geometric patterns visible throughout the note. The complex decorative borders and security engraving are characteristic of the high-security printing standards employed for colonial currency. The printer for this issue was likely a major British security printer, though specific attribution would require additional documentation beyond the visual analysis.

No specific varieties have been identified from the visual analysis. The note displays standard Government of Hong Kong 1945 issue characteristics. Future variety identification would require examination of signatures (Financial Secretary signature visible but not clearly legible in the images), serial number prefixes, date variations if any, or any known printing plant distinctions. Collectors should note whether their example bears particular signature variants or serial number series, as these could denote different printings or issues within the 1945 year of production.