Hong Kong two-dollar coin facts for kids
| Hong Kong | |
| Value | 2.00 HKD |
|---|---|
| Mass | 8.41 g |
| Diameter | 28/26.31 mm |
| Thickness | 2.03 mm |
| Edge | 12 scalloped plain |
| Composition | Copper-nickel |
| Years of minting | 1975, 78-90, 1992, 1993-95, 97-98, 2012-13 |
| Catalog number | KM#37, 60, 64, 76 |
| Obverse | |
| Design | Bauhinia |
| Designer | Joseph Yam |
| Design date | 1992 |
| Reverse | |
 |
|
| Design | 2 with value in English and Chinese |
| Designer | Joseph Yam |
| Design date | 1992 |
The two dollar coin is a special coin used in Hong Kong. It's the third-highest value coin you can find there. What makes it unique is its shape – it's not round like most coins! It has 12 sides, like a flower with many petals. This coin is made from a mix of metals called copper-nickel. It first came out in 1976.
Contents
History of the Two Dollar Coin
When the two dollar coin was first made in 1975, it was actually the highest value coin in Hong Kong! But then, a year later, the five dollar coin was introduced. The idea for this new two dollar coin came from a group called the Coinage Review Committee, who thought it would be a good addition to Hong Kong's money system.
Changing Designs Over Time
For many years, the front (obverse) of the two dollar coin showed Queen Elizabeth II. But in 1993, the design changed. It was replaced with the beautiful Bauhinia flower, which has been on all Hong Kong coins since that year.
Special Commemorative Coin
In 1997, a special two dollar coin was made to remember an important event. This coin featured two figures known as the He He Brothers, who represent harmony. It was created to celebrate the handover of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to China.
How Many Two Dollar Coins Were Made?
"Mintage" means the number of coins made in a specific year. Here's a look at how many two dollar coins were produced over the years. Sometimes the exact number is "Unknown" because those records might not be public or available.
| Year | Mintage |
|---|---|
| 1975 | 60,000,000 |
| 1978 | 504,000 |
| 1979 | 9,032,000 |
| 1980 | 30,000,000 |
| 1981 | 30,000,000 |
| 1982 | 30,000,000 |
| 1983 | 7,002,000 |
| 1984 | 22,002,000 |
| 1985 | 10,002,000 |
| 1986 | 15,000,000 |
| 1987 | Unknown |
| 1988 | 5,000,000 circulating. 20,000 proof. |
| 1989 | 33,000,000 |
| 1990 | Unknown |
| 1991 | Unknown |
| 1992 | 14,000,000 (4,370,000 issued) |
| 1993 | Unknown |
| 1994 | Unknown |
| 1995 | Unknown |
| 1997 | He He Brothers commemorative. Unknown circulating. 97,000 proof. |
| 1998 | Unknown |
| 2012 | 80,000,000 |
| 2013 | Unknown |
| 2015 | Unknown |
| 2017 | Unknown |
| 2019 | Unknown |
