10 dollars 1935

Common. While this is a legitimate historical banknote from 1935, the Pick 55b denomination and issuer combination had substantial circulation in Hong Kong. The eBay market data provided shows Fine condition examples selling for approximately $158.50 (2015), which is below the $325 catalogue value but still indicates moderate collector demand. The note's availability in the secondary market and consistent pricing suggest it is not scarce. Most examples of this issue remain in circulation or in collector hands, and while condition matters significantly for value, the note itself is not rare.

Issued on 1st March 1935, this banknote reflects the Chartered Bank's significant role in Hong Kong's financial history during the British colonial period. The agricultural vignette on the reverse—showing laborers harvesting in a landscape with a traditional pagoda—symbolizes the region's economic foundation and cultural heritage during the pre-war era. The dual English-Chinese inscriptions underscore the bank's position as a bridge between British colonial authority and the local Chinese population in Hong Kong.

The obverse features a profile portrait of a male figure wearing a military-style helmet or headband, rendered in fine black engraving against a green underprint with red overlay. The center displays the bank's name and denomination in ornate typography, flanked by a royal heraldic coat of arms featuring a crowned lion and decorative shield elements. Ornamental scrollwork and corner flourishes provide security through design complexity. The reverse showcases a central vignette depicting three figures engaged in agricultural labor—representing rice harvesting or similar rural work—set within a landscape that includes a pagoda-style structure in the background, symbolizing Hong Kong's cultural and economic character. This scene is framed by elaborate ornamental borders with circular medallions and additional scrollwork. Both sides maintain consistent color and design quality characteristic of W&S (Waterlow & Sons) printing.

FRONT: 'THE CHARTERED BANK OF INDIA, AUSTRALIA & CHINA' (English); 'HONGKONG' (English); 'TEN DOLLARS' (English); 'Promises to pay on Demand at its Office here' (English); 'HONGKONG, 1st MARCH 1935' (English); '中山銀行印度中國澳洲特許銀行' (Chinese: Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China); '香港' (Chinese: Hong Kong). BACK: 'CHARTERED BANK OF INDIA, AUSTRALIA AND CHINA' (English); 'TEN DOLLARS' (English); '十圓' (Chinese: Ten Dollars). Serial Number (both sides): G468398.

Fine line engraving combined with multicolor letterpress printing. The note was printed by W&S (Waterlow & Sons), a premier British security printer known for producing banknotes and securities. The design exhibits the sophisticated intaglio engraving techniques typical of high-security banknotes of this era, with fine line patterns and ornamental complexity serving as anti-counterfeiting measures. The multicolor printing—combining black, red-brown, and green inks—was applied in successive passes to create depth and security.

Serial number G468398 is visible on both obverse and reverse. This note represents the standard 1935 issue dated 1st March 1935. The Pick 55b designation indicates this is a specific variety within the 1935 series; collectors should note variations in signature combinations, serial number prefixes, and any watermark differences, though these details are not discernible from the current images. The note appears to be from the primary circulation series with no visible overprints or special markings.