

This is an uncirculated 1976 Hong Kong $10 note issued by the Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, displaying pristine condition with sharp, crisp printing throughout and no visible wear. The obverse features Queen Elizabeth II in an ornate oval frame with elaborate security patterns, while the reverse depicts the iconic HSBC building in classical perspective. This specific note, dated 31st March 1976, represents a key issue in Hong Kong banking currency history and exemplifies the high-quality security printing standards of Bradbury Wilkinson during this period.
Common. Despite the specific 1976 date and Pick-182g designation, this issue is common in the numismatic market. The eBay price tracking data provided shows consistent sales in the $2.00-$7.97 range for VF/EF examples, with UNC examples reaching $15-$64, indicating steady supply in circulation. The note was part of the HSBC's regular issuance program (1959-1983) which saw large print runs, and the denomination (10 dollars) was frequently circulated. While UNC examples command modest premiums ($15 catalog value in VF, higher for graded specimens), the note remains accessible and common in the secondary market.
This 1976 issue falls within the Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation's extended note-issuing period (1959-1983) when it competed with other authorized banks for currency circulation in Hong Kong. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II reflects Hong Kong's status as a British Crown Colony during this era, while the classical HSBC building on the reverse symbolizes the bank's dominance in Hong Kong's financial infrastructure and prestige. The bilingual English-Chinese inscriptions demonstrate Hong Kong's unique cultural position bridging East and West during this transitional period in the colony's history.
The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in formal regalia, presented within an ornate circular frame with elaborate decorative borders characteristic of British Commonwealth currency design. Below the portrait is the Hong Kong coat of arms with heraldic shield and supporting elements. The note employs sophisticated geometric mesh patterns, fine-line crosshatching, and intricate security printing throughout the background, creating visual depth and anti-counterfeiting measures. The reverse showcases the classical architectural landmark of the Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation's headquarters building, depicted in three-quarter perspective within a matching ornate oval frame. The building features columns, architectural detail work, and is surrounded by denomination numerals (10) in decorative circular cartouches at the corners. Both sides employ complementary color schemes of green, cream, beige, and yellow with black printing for text elements, creating a cohesive and professional appearance typical of premium banknote design of the 1970s.
FRONT: '10' (denomination numeral) | 'THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION' (bank name) | 'Promises to pay the Bearer on demand at its Office here' (payment promise clause) | 'TEN DOLLARS' (denomination in words) | 'or the equivalent in the Currency of the Colony, value received' (currency equivalence clause) | 'HONG KONG 31st MARCH 1976' (date and location of issue) | 'BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' (authorization statement) | 'CHIEF ACCOUNTANT' (signatory title) | 'GENERAL MANAGER' (signatory title) | Serial number 'No LX611817' | '圓拾' (Chinese: ten dollars) | '香港上海匯豐銀行有限公司' (Chinese: The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) | BACK: '10' and 'DOLLARS' (denomination) | 'THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION' (bank name) | '拾' (Chinese: ten)
Intaglio (engraved) printing by Bradbury Wilkinson, New Malden, as indicated in the catalog data. The visual analysis confirms characteristic intaglio features including: fine geometric line patterns and detailed mesh work providing anti-counterfeiting security, crisp fine-line engravings in the ornate frames and borders, sharp text reproduction, and layered color registration with precise alignment. The sophisticated security printing with crosshatching patterns and complex background designs are hallmarks of Bradbury Wilkinson's renowned security printing expertise during this period.
This specific note is dated '31st MARCH 1976' as printed on the obverse, representing the 1976 dated variety within the broader 1970-1983 series. The serial number prefix 'LX' and number '611817' are visible, which may represent a specific printer batch or series. The signature titles shown are 'CHIEF ACCOUNTANT' and 'GENERAL MANAGER,' standard for this issue period. No overprints or major varieties are evident in the visual analysis. Multiple signature varieties exist within the 1970-1976 issues of this denomination, and collectors may seek different signature combinations, though no specific signature details are legible in the provided images.