Hong Kong one-cent coin

The one-cent coin was the smallest-denomination coin of the Hong Kong dollar since 1866 until its replacement in 1941 by the one-cent note. During World War II the loss of coins dated 1941 along with their subsequent melting during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong has resulted in the survival of no more than 100 coins.

One cent
Hong Kong
Value0.01 HKD
Mass4.05 g
Diameter21.5 mm
Thickness1.30 mm
EdgePlain
CompositionBronze
Years of minting1863 –1866, 1875-77, 1879-81, 1899-05, 1919, 1923-26, 1931, 1933-34, 1941
Catalog number-
Obverse
DesignGeorge VI of the United Kingdom, shown above
Reverse
DesignHong Kong, value in English and Chinese and year of minting

Design

Throughout its history the coin's initial design remained unchanged, constantly featured the text '香港一仙' surrounded by its translation 'HONG KONG ONE CENT' while its obverse displayed the current reigning British monarch. It total the coins has displayed four different monarchs: Queen Victoria, Edward VII and George V and George VI.

After a number of trial strikes the copper-based coin was released in 1863, weighing 7.5g and having a diameter of 27.8mm. In order to save money the coin was debased in 1902 switching from copper to bronze and further reduced in size twice under the reign of George V.

Mintage Figures

Mintmarks

  • H = Heaton
Year[1] Mintage
1902 5,000,000
1903 5,000,000
1904H 10,000,000
1905 2,500,000
1905H 12,500,000
1919H 2,500,000
1923 2,500,000
1924 5,000,000
1925 2,500,000
1926 2,500,000
1931 5,000,000
1933 6,500,000
1934 5,000,000
1941 5,000,000

References
  1. Krause, Chester L. (2001). Standard Catalog of World Coins. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. pp. 918–919. ISBN 9780873418843.
  • Ma Tak Wo 2004, Illustrated Catalogue of Hong Kong Currency, Ma Tak Wo Numismatic Co., LTD Kowloon Hong Kong. ISBN 962-85939-3-5
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