Hong Kong ten-dollar coin facts for kids
| Hong Kong | |
| Value | 10.00 HKD |
|---|---|
| Mass | 11 g |
| Diameter | 24mm outer rim, inner rim 15.6 mm |
| Thickness | 3 mm |
| Edge | intermited milled |
| Composition | Copper-nickel outer ring and Nickel-brass center plug |
| Years of minting | 1993 (proof) 1994-1997 |
| Catalog number | - |
| Obverse | |
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| Design | Bauhinia |
| Designer | Joseph Yam |
| Design date | 1992 |
| Reverse | |
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| Design | 10 with value in English and Chinese |
| Designer | Joseph Yam |
| Design date | 1992 |
The ten-dollar coin is the coin with the highest value used in Hong Kong. It is used alongside the ten-dollar banknote, which is a paper bill. This coin was first made for people to use in 1994. It was meant to take the place of the $10 paper note. However, after 1997, new ten-dollar coins were not made. Instead, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority decided to bring back the paper notes in 2002.
About the Ten-Dollar Coin
This coin is special because it is the only one in Hong Kong made from two different metals. This is called a bi-metallic coin. It has an outer ring made of one metal and a center plug made of another.
Special Editions
A special ten-dollar coin was made in 1997. This coin celebrated the handover of Hong Kong to China. The handover was when Hong Kong became part of China again. This special coin featured the famous Tsing Ma Bridge. It was not made for everyday use. Instead, it was sold in special collector sets. These sets included "uncirculated" coins (meaning they were never used) and "proof" coins (which are extra shiny and perfect).
How Many Were Made?
The Hong Kong ten-dollar coin was minted for a few years.
- In 1993, 30,000 special "proof" coins were made for collectors.
- In 1994, 20,000 "gold proof" coins were made.
- In 1996, about 800,000 coins were made for people to use every day.
- In 1997, 97,000 special "proof" coins were made for the Tsing Ma Bridge celebration. These were not for general use.
