5 dollars 1968

Common. The eBay price history demonstrates consistent, moderate trading activity with EF-graded examples selling in the $5.50-$15.50 range over the past decade, indicating this is a well-circulated, readily available note in the secondary market. The 1964-1975 issue period had substantial print runs, and the catalog notes this as a 'Regular Issue' type. The denomination and issuer are neither historically limited nor recalled, and current catalog values (2019) list EF at approximately $5-$8, placing it firmly within the common denomination range for this series.

Issued during the height of Hong Kong's colonial period under British administration, this note reflects the confidence and stability of the Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, one of Asia's most prestigious financial institutions founded in 1865. The prominent building depicted on the reverse represents the bank's headquarters, symbolizing the institution's role as a pillar of Hong Kong's commercial and financial infrastructure during a period of significant economic development. The bilingual English and Chinese inscriptions (including the denominations in both languages) underscore Hong Kong's position as a crucial bridge between Western and Asian commerce during the post-war economic boom.

The obverse features a refined three-quarter portrait of a woman facing right, rendered in classical profile style typical of early 20th-century engraving traditions, positioned prominently on the right side of the note. The woman wears formal period attire with her hair styled in an upswept arrangement. Dominating the center is the heraldic coat of arms of the Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, featuring lions and ornate heraldic elements symbolizing the bank's prestige and heritage. Ornamental corner designs frame the entire composition with geometric and floral patterns, and the number 5 appears in decorative cartouches at each corner. The reverse showcases a detailed architectural vignette depicting the bank's multi-story headquarters building in classical Victorian/colonial style with columns, ornate detailing, and heraldic finials, enclosed within a circular frame. Large ornamental numerals 5 appear in decorative frames on both left and right sides. The color scheme employs brown as the primary dominant tone with tan, pink/mauve, and green accents creating visual depth and security complexity.

FRONT SIDE: The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (English heading); Promises to pay the Bearer on demand at its Office here (promise clause); Five Dollars (English denomination); 圓12 (Chinese: 12 Yuan equivalent); or the equivalent in the Currency of the Colony, when presented (legal text); Hong Kong 20th March, 1968 (issue date); By Order of the Board of Directors (authority); Chief Accountant and Chief Manager (signature lines); N.° 453675 CH (serial number); Hong Kong (location); Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd New Malden, Surrey, England (printer attribution). REVERSE SIDE: 5 (denomination numeral, repeated on left and right); 圓12 (Chinese denomination equivalent); 5 Dollars (English denomination); The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (bank name).

Steel engraving (intaglio printing), executed by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd of New Malden, Surrey, England, a world-renowned security printer specializing in banknote production. The technique is evidenced by the complex line work, precise cross-hatching, and deeply rendered ornamental borders visible throughout both sides. The note exhibits the characteristic fine detail and tactile quality of professional intaglio work, with multiple layers of intricate pattern work providing both aesthetic appeal and practical security against counterfeiting.

This specific example is dated March 20, 1968, placing it within the Pick P-181c designation covering the 1959-1975 issue period. The serial number is N.° 453675 CH, with the 'CH' suffix potentially indicating a printing batch or series identifier. No overprints or special markings are evident. Standard varieties for this Pick number are typically differentiated by serial number prefixes and signature combinations rather than major design variations, as this represents a single-design regular issue spanning multiple years.