10 dollars 1981

Common. The substantial eBay sales history (100+ transactions documented) demonstrates consistent market circulation, with UNC examples regularly trading between $6-$25. The 2019 catalogue value of $10 for UNC condition reinforces its common status. While the note represents important Hong Kong banking history, it was issued in sufficient quantities to remain readily available to collectors. The print run for the 1981 Chartered Bank 10 Dollar note was substantial, and numerous examples survive in all condition grades.

Issued on 1 January 1981 by the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China during Hong Kong's transition period under British rule, this note reflects the bank's prestigious heritage (incorporated by Royal Charter in 1863). The inclusion of both English and Traditional Chinese inscriptions, combined with the British Royal Coat of Arms and the Chartered Bank building, symbolizes the colonial administrative structure and the bank's importance as one of Hong Kong's three note-issuing banks during this era.

The obverse features a stylized dragon head positioned at right, rendered in intricate detail with scaled patterns and flowing traditional Asian artistic elements, symbolizing prosperity and power in Chinese culture. The left side displays geometric security patterns including a circular pink-centered design and grid formations. The reverse showcases the Chartered Bank's multi-story headquarters building (approximately 15+ stories) on the left, with the British Royal Coat of Arms—featuring lions, unicorn, shield, and crown beneath the motto 'Dieu et Mon Droit'—centered as the dominant heraldic symbol. The entire design employs fine-line engraving with color-shifting security features throughout both sides.

FRONT SIDE: English: 'The Chartered Bank', 'Hong Kong', 'Incorporated by Royal Charter 1863', 'Promise to pay the Bearer on demand at its office here', 'Ten Dollars', 'is a legal tender in the Currency of the Colony hereinafter recorded', 'BY ORDER OF THE COURT OF DIRECTORS HONG KONG 1st JANUARY 1981', 'FINANCIAL CONTROLLER', 'CHIEF MANAGER IN HONG KONG'. Chinese: '銀行打香港香' (The Chartered Bank Hong Kong), '圓拾' (Ten Dollars). Serial Number: BJ930026. REVERSE SIDE: English: 'The Chartered Bank', '10', French: 'DIEU ET MON DROIT' (God and My Right). Chinese: '圓拾' (Ten Dollars), '行銀打香' (The Chartered Bank Hong Kong).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) executed by Thomas de la Rue, London, a leading security printer. The note exhibits sophisticated multicolor security printing with fine parallel line patterns creating complex security backgrounds, color-shifting elements in the geometric designs, and detailed micro-engraving throughout. The watermark area features a Helmeted Warrior's head, integrated into the security design. The printer's mark 'TDLR' appears without a formal imprint, consistent with De la Rue's practice on Hong Kong notes from this period.

Pick 77b designation indicates this is the 1981 date variety of the Chartered Bank 10 Dollar note. The serial number observed (BJ930026) suggests this is from a standard circulation series. The date inscription 'HONG KONG 1st JANUARY 1981' is definitive for this variety. No major overprints or printing variations are evident on this example. Standard varieties for this pick may exist based on signature combinations of the Financial Controller and Chief Manager, though the visual analysis does not permit precise identification of the signatory individuals from this image quality.