Issued by HSBC from 1889 to 1899
Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio is pleased to offer an early “sneak peek” of highlights from their October Hong Kong Auction – a superb group of high grade One Dollar notes.
The April Hong Kong auction was a phenomenal success with most high ticket items sold and the banknote department hitting an all-time high with sales just exceeding $3.6 million (including the buyer’s premium). This clearly demonstrates the strength of our auction in face of an uncertain global economic climate.
Hong Kong banknotes have shown resilience especially among vintage notes, “lucky” serial numbers and specimens. We have already taken in good consignments in these areas and will be releasing information on them in the upcoming months. This article focuses on a group of Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation One Dollar notes that contains the full date run of four notes plus two hand signed signature varieties.
HSBC issued four series of the Dollar notes:
1. Large size “cheque” dollar notes with violet reverse issued from late 1872 to 1874.
2. Large size “cheque” dollar notes with red reverse issued from 1879 to January 1889.
3. Smaller size “cheque” series issued from 1889 to 1899.
4. “Minerva” series from 1906 to 1935.
These notes are from the third series and consists of the extremely rare 1889 date, followed by 1890, 1895 and three examples of the ultimate 1899 date. This group is exceptional as the 1889 date is very rarely offered and this example is in solid mid Very Fine grade with fresh inks. The three 1899 notes are exceptional in grade with two examples in PMG 45 and one in PMG 58. These are among the highest grades available to private collectors! Be sure to keep an eye on our blogs and Facebook account over the coming months for further highlights!
For questions relating to our October Hong Kong Auction or to consign your items call +852 2117 1191 or email [email protected].
