5 dollars 1970

Common. The Chartered Bank's 5 Dollar notes from the 1970-1975 series were issued in substantial quantities to support Hong Kong's commercial banking activities during this period. While the Pick 73b2 designation indicates a specific variety within the series, no evidence of restricted print runs, recalls, or short-lived production suggests scarcity. UNC examples are readily available in the secondary market at modest valuations, consistent with common-grade banknote pricing.

The Chartered Bank's 5 Dollar note from 1970 reflects Hong Kong's status as a major financial center during the early 1970s, with the reverse depicting modern architectural landmarks including what appears to be the City Hall and contemporary office buildings along the Victoria Waterfront. The obverse displays the bank's Royal Charter date of 1853, emphasizing the institution's long-established authority and prestige in Hong Kong's colonial financial system. This note was issued during a period of significant economic growth in Hong Kong before the territory's transition to decimal currency fully stabilized.

The obverse features the Chartered Bank's heraldic coat of arms prominently positioned in the center, displaying golden dragons as supporters flanking a multi-quartered shield with colored sections and a torch or orb finial at the apex—classic Victorian heraldic symbolism emphasizing the bank's imperial legitimacy. A multi-story modern building with regular window patterns appears on the left side, representing the bank's Hong Kong headquarters or a significant commercial structure of the era. The reverse depicts Hong Kong's modern urban landscape featuring a tall rectangular office building on the right with regular fenestration and a curved/domed structure on the left (likely the City Hall), situated along the Victoria Waterfront with mountains visible in the background—a panoramic view celebrating the colony's architectural progress. Ornate circular medallions occupy all four corners of both sides, containing symbolic imagery and denomination markers. The color scheme employs cream and beige as the primary background with brown and purple for text and decorative elements, accented with gold, red, and blue in heraldic elements.

FRONT SIDE: '5' (denomination), 'INCORPORATED BY' (English), '行銀打澳' (The Chartered Bank - Traditional Chinese), 'ROYAL CHARTER: 1853' (English), 'THE CHARTERED BANK' (English), '香港' (Hong Kong - Traditional Chinese), 'Promises to pay the bearer on demand at its office here or the equivalent in the Currency of the Colony. Value Received' (English promise clause), 'FIVE DOLLARS' (English), 'HONG KONG' (English), 'By Order of the Court of Directors' (English), 'R588529' (serial number), 'Entd' (Entered), 'ACCOUNTANT' (English), 'CHIEF MANAGER IN HONG KONG' (English), '圓伍圓伍' (Five Dollars - Traditional Chinese). BACK SIDE: '5' (denomination), 'THE CHARTERED BANK' (English), '伍' (Five - Traditional Chinese), 'FIVE DOLLARS' (English), '伍' (Five - Traditional Chinese), 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (English printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, London—the premier security printer of the period. The note displays characteristic fine-line engraving work evident in the intricate decorative borders, detailed architectural renderings, ornate heraldic imagery, and the precision of the circular corner medallions. The multi-color intaglio printing process created the layered tonal effects visible in the architectural details and background gradations, with color registration demonstrating the advanced technical capabilities of Thomas de la Rue's presses.

This note is specifically cataloged as Pick 73b2, indicating it is a variant within the Chartered Bank's 1970-1975 5 Dollar issue. The serial number R588529 and the signatures of the accountant and chief manager in Hong Kong are present. The Pick designation 73b2 likely distinguishes this issue by specific signature combinations or subtle design elements within the broader 1970-1975 production run. Collectors should note signature varieties are typical for Chartered Bank notes across this period, as multiple signatories served in these positions throughout the series' production span.