Hong Kong fifty-dollar note facts for kids
| (Hong Kong) | |
|---|---|
| Value | 50 Hong Kong dollars |
| Width | 148 mm |
| Height | 74 mm |
| Security features | Window, Watermark, Security thread, Registration device, Latent image, Optically Variable Ink, Iridescent image |
| Paper type | Cotton |
| Years of printing | Various years depending on bank |
The fifty-dollar note is a common banknote used in Hong Kong. It's a piece of paper money worth 50 Hong Kong dollars. This note has a long history, being one of the first banknotes ever printed in Hong Kong by different banks.
Contents
A Look at the Hong Kong Fifty-Dollar Note
The fifty-dollar note is an important part of Hong Kong's money system. It helps people buy things and pay for services. Like all banknotes, it has special features to prevent counterfeiting. These include things like a watermark, a security thread, and ink that changes color.
Early Days of the Fifty-Dollar Note
The first fifty-dollar notes were printed a very long time ago. They appeared in the 1860s, but they didn't have a specific date printed on them. Several banks were allowed to print their own money back then.
Who Printed the First Notes?
Some of the first banks to issue these notes were the Oriental Bank Corporation and the Mercantile Bank. The Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) also started printing them around 1879. Soon after, in 1877, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation joined in. Even the National Bank of China printed some in the 1890s, but these are very rare to find today.
Changes Over Time
For many years, these fifty-dollar notes were printed continuously. However, their appearance changed quite a bit. They came in different colors and sizes depending on the bank and the year.
Before and After World War II
Printing of the fifty-dollar note stopped for a while between 1934 and 1941. This break happened just before and during the Second World War. After the war ended, banks did not immediately start printing this specific note again.
The Return of the Fifty-Dollar Note
It took some time for the fifty-dollar note to reappear. The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation brought it back in 1968. The Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) followed in 1970. At that time, these notes were blue.
New Colors and Sizes
In 1985, the fifty-dollar note changed again. It became purple and was made a bit smaller. Then, in 2003, the color changed once more to the green we see today. The Bank of China also started issuing their version of the fifty-dollar note in 1994. Eventually, all banks agreed to make the fifty-dollar note a uniform green color. This helps everyone easily recognize the note, no matter which bank issued it.
