10 dollars 1978

Common. The eBay price history demonstrates consistent market values for this note, with UNC examples regularly selling in the $5–$50 range (averaging $12–$27 for PMG-graded UNC specimens). The 2019 catalogue value of $15 for UNC confirms accessibility at modest premiums. While UNC examples command higher prices than circulated specimens, the frequency of sales and the broad price range indicate substantial market availability. This was a regular issue of HSBC with significant print run during a period of active banking circulation.

This note was issued during the height of Hong Kong's colonial period under HSBC's banking authority, a privilege the institution held until 1985. The 1978 date marks a period of economic stability in the territory before the Sino-British negotiations over Hong Kong's future sovereignty. The prominence of the HSBC headquarters building on the reverse underscores the bank's central role in Hong Kong's financial establishment and colonial governance during this era.

The obverse features a left-facing profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in formal attire, positioned in the upper left quadrant and serving as the primary design element. The portrait is accompanied by the heraldic coat of arms of Hong Kong below it in the lower left. The design is framed by ornate geometric and floral border patterns in green and pink/beige tones. The reverse showcases a detailed architectural vignette of the HSBC headquarters—a grand neoclassical multi-story building with columns, arched windows, and ornamental detailing—positioned centrally against a cityscape backdrop. Corner elements include decorative squares containing the Chinese numeral '拾' (ten) in gold/yellow, with a winged emblem or decorative device at top center. The entire note employs fine-line engraving with intricate background patterns to provide security.

FRONT: 'The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation' (English); 'Promises to pay the Bearer on demand at its Office here Ten Dollars or the equivalent in the Currency of the Colony, value received' (standard promise clause); 'Hongkong 31st March 1978' (issue date); 'By Order of the Board of Directors'; 'Chief Accountant' and 'Executive Director' (signature titles); Serial number 'RA208111'; '香港上海匯豐銀行有限公司' (Chinese: The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited); '圓拾' (Chinese: Ten Dollars). BACK: 'The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation' (English); 'Ten Dollars' / '拾' (Chinese); Denominations marked as '10' in multiple locations.

Intaglio (steel plate engraving), the standard security printing method used by Bradbury Wilkinson of New Malden, the identified printer for this series. The fine-line patterns visible throughout the obverse and reverse, the detailed architectural rendering of the HSBC building, and the ornate border work are all characteristic of high-quality intaglio engraving. Security elements include fine-line background patterns and intricate geometric designs throughout to deter counterfeiting.

This specific example is dated 31 March 1978 with serial number RA208111. The 'RA' prefix and the 1978 date place it within the main issue of this type. Signature titles on the note read 'Chief Accountant' and 'Executive Director.' Known date varieties for this Pick number include 31.3.1977, 31.3.1978, and 31.3.1979, with the 1978 date being common. No extraordinary overprints or security features distinguish this as a special variety—it represents the standard circulation issue.