Hong Kong 100, 50, 20 dollars notes

Hong Kong 100, 50, 20 dollars notes has been unveiled by Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the three note-issuing banks (Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited). The $100, $50 and $20 notes incorporate the same state-of-the-art security features as the new $1,000 and $500 notes which are already in circulation, and help the visually impaired differentiate between the denominations.

Monetary Authority Chief Executive Norman Chan said the new notes will be phased in from November, after which the entire Hong Kong 2010 series will be in circulation.

“The new $1,000 and $500 banknotes, which have been in circulation since December and February, have received a very positive response from the public. I am confident the new $100, $50 and $20 banknotes will be equally well received.”

They were designed by the respective note-issuing banks (Standard Chartered Bank, Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, and Bank of China) and approved by the Financial Secretary. They are printed by Hong Kong Note Printing. All existing banknotes continue to be legal tender. They will circulate along with the new banknotes and be gradually withdrawn from circulation when they become physically unfit for circulation.

New Hong Kong dollars security features:

1. Dynamic Colour-changing Pattern

When the note is tilted, two visual effects appear: the colour of the pattern shifts between green and gold, while at the same time a shimmering horizontal bar is seen to be rolling up and down.

2. Colour-changing Windowed Metallic Thread

When the note is tilted, the thread shifts in colour between magenta and green. When examining it closely, microtext to build the large alphabets 「H」 and 「K」 can be seen.

3. Concealed Denomination

Visible when the note is tilted.

4. Iridescent Pattern

Shimmering when the note is tilted under a bright light.

5. Enhanced Watermark

The watermarks of the three note-issuing banks are standardized. Multi-tonal watermark of a bauhinia flower, highlight watermark of the denomination numeral and dot pattern can be seen when the note is held up to the light.

6. Fluorescent See-through Pattern

The patterns on the front and back fit perfectly when the note is held up to the light. When the note is put under ultraviolet light, two fluorescent colours appear.

7. Serial Numbers

Two sets of serial numbers with progressively larger digits in adjacent positions. One set horizontally at the bottom-left corner, and another set vertically on the right side of the note, which is fluorescent red under ultraviolet light.

8. Embossed Feel

Raised printing giving the note a strong embossed feel by touch.

Source: HKMA, news.gov.hk