5 dollars 1962

Common. This is a regular-issue note with no documented scarcity. The eBay sales data confirms this assessment: Fair-graded examples have sold for $4.75 to $31.09 over multiple transactions spanning 2017–2022, indicating ready availability in lower grades. Even higher grades (PMG 64–65) show consistent sales in the $150–250 range, typical for common 1960s Hong Kong notes. The high volume of eBay transactions across all grades further supports a common classification. This Pick 68c variant was part of a substantial print run and is not sought-after for rarity; its value derives from collector interest in early Hong Kong currency rather than scarcity.

The Chartered Bank, incorporated by Royal Charter in 1853, was one of Hong Kong's primary note-issuing institutions during the colonial period. This 1962 issue represents the bank's continued currency authority before the eventual consolidation of Hong Kong's banking system. The note's imagery—featuring both Western heraldic symbolism (the coat of arms) and Eastern maritime tradition (the Chinese junk)—reflects Hong Kong's role as a bicultural financial hub at the height of British colonial administration.

The obverse features The Chartered Bank's coat of arms positioned at the lower left—a quartered heraldic shield with crown and supporting animals, rendered in fine engraving with ornamental flourishes. The central denomination 'FIVE DOLLARS' is prominently displayed in a decorative cartouche, surrounded by elaborate floral and geometric border patterns in green with cream/salmon accents. Chinese characters appear at the left and right edges, acknowledging the dual-language currency of Hong Kong. The reverse depicts a meticulously engraved scene of a traditional Chinese junk with multiple large sails on open water, with mountains and shoreline vegetation in the background. Circular medallion frames occupy all four corners of both sides, containing heraldic emblems. The note measures standard banknote dimensions with full margins intact despite circulation wear.

FRONT: 'THE CHARTERED BANK' / 'INCORPORATED BY ROYAL CHARTER 1853' / 'Promises to pay the Bearer on Demand at its Office here' / 'FIVE DOLLARS' / 'or the equivalent in the Currency of the Colony' / 'VALUE RECEIVED' / 'HONG KONG' / 'BY ORDER OF THE COURT OF DIRECTORS' / 'ACCOUNTANT' / 'MANAGER' / Serial Number: SF 4662982 / Chinese: 伍圓 (Five Dollars) / BACK: 'FIVE DOLLARS' / 'THE CHARTERED BANK' / 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution)

Intaglio engraving (line engraving and steel plate production) executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, London—the renowned British security printer. The visual characteristics confirm this method: fine cross-hatching throughout backgrounds, intricate line work in the maritime scene, detailed border patterns with repeating motifs, and the sharply defined denominational numerals. The multicolor effect (green, black, pink/salmon, cream) was achieved through multiple passes and color registration typical of high-security banknote printing of the era. Security features include fine line engraving patterns and decorative complexity designed to prevent counterfeiting.

This note is identified as Pick P-68c, indicating it is from the third known variety of the 1962 Five Dollar Chartered Bank issue. Serial number SF 4662982 suggests a 1960s production batch; the 'SF' prefix is consistent with notes from this period. The presence of blue stamps/markings visible in the images indicates post-issue administrative handling (likely bank stamps or collector marks). No overprints are visible. Varieties of this issue may differ in signatures, serial number prefixes, or minor design elements; this specific example with SF prefix and visible administrative markings should be noted by collectors cataloging their holdings.