5 dollars 1959

Common. While the 1959 Chartered Bank $5 note represents an interesting historical issue, catalog values and eBay market data indicate widespread availability. Recent comparable sales show PMG-graded examples (VF-64 range) selling in the $325-$393 range, with lower grades (PMG 58) around $150, and raw VF examples fetching approximately $150. The 2016 catalog valuations (VG: $15, VF: $50, UNC: $425) are moderate and reflect a note with steady collector interest but no scarcity premium. The serial number prefix 'S/F' appears to be a standard variety for the issue. This note is collectible but not rare, making it an accessible entry point for Hong Kong currency collectors.

The Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China (incorporated by Royal Charter in 1853) was one of Hong Kong's primary currency issuers before the establishment of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation's dominance. The 1959 date marks the note within the post-war period when Hong Kong was reasserting its role as a major financial center. The prominent depiction of a traditional Chinese junk on the reverse symbolized Hong Kong's connection to classical Chinese maritime commerce, even as the territory modernized under British administration.

The obverse features a formal heraldic design centered on The Chartered Bank's coat of arms, which displays a lion and dragons as supporters—symbolizing British imperial authority and Chinese cultural identity. The design is framed by ornate green decorative borders with scrollwork and flourishes typical of high-security currency engraving of the period. The reverse depicts a traditional Chinese junk with multiple sails in a harbor setting with mountains in the background, emphasizing Hong Kong's maritime commerce heritage. Four small circular portrait medallions appear in the corners of the reverse, likely representing historical figures associated with the bank or colonial administration, though not clearly identifiable in the visual record. The bilingual English-Chinese inscriptions reflect Hong Kong's dual cultural identity during this period of British rule.

FRONT: 'Hong Kong Chartered Bank' (香港打銀行 in Chinese); 'THE CHARTERED BANK' and 'HONG KONG' in English; 'INCORPORATED BY ROYAL CHARTER 1853'; 'FIVE DOLLARS' / '五圓' (Five Dollars in Chinese); 'Promises to pay the Bearer on Demand at its Office here or the equivalent in the Currency of the Colony'; 'VALUE RECEIVED'; 'HONG KONG, 9TH APRIL, 1959'; 'BY ORDER OF THE COURT OF DIRECTORS'; signature lines for 'ACCOUNTANT' and 'MANAGER'; 'WATERLOW & SONS LIMITED, LONDON' (printer); Serial number 'S/F 2397919'. BACK: 'FIVE DOLLARS'; Denomination '5' in corners; 'THE CHARTERED BANK'; 'WATERLOW & SONS LIMITED, LONDON'.

This note was produced by Waterlow & Sons Limited of London, one of the world's premier security printers at the time. The printing technique is intaglio engraving, evidenced by the fine line work, intricate detail in the junk ship engraving, complex background patterns, and the crisp definition of decorative borders visible in the images. Multiple color printing (green, black, and cream/beige underprint) was achieved through successive passes typical of high-security banknote production. The fine detail work and security features embedded in the ornamental designs are characteristic of Waterlow's renowned craftsmanship.

The serial number prefix 'S/F 2397919' appears to represent a standard printing variety. Without evidence of overprints, unusual signatures, or significant serial number variations, this note exemplifies the regular issue of 1959. The red/pink handstamp visible on the obverse may indicate a bank handling mark or colonial administrative stamp rather than a printing variety. No premium varieties (such as specimen notes, unissued remainders, or significant overprint variants) have been identified in the visual analysis. The note is a standard circulation issue of the 1959 Chartered Bank series.