Hong Kong one-cent coin explained

Country:Hong Kong
Denomination:One cent
Value:0.01
Unit:HKD
Mass:4.05
Diameter:21.5
Thickness:1.30
Edge:Plain
Composition:Bronze
Years Of Minting:1863  - 1866, 1875-77, 1879-81, 1899-05, 1919, 1923-26, 1931, 1933-34, 1941
Catalog Number:-
Obverse:1941 Hong Kong One Cent Coin (Obverse).png
Obverse Image Size:150px
Obverse Design:George VI of the United Kingdom, shown above
Reverse:1941 Hong Kong One Cent Coin (Reverse).png
Reverse Image Size:150px
Reverse Design:Hong Kong, value in English and Chinese and year of minting

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.

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

Year[1] Mintage
19025,000,000
19035,000,000
1904H10,000,000
19052,500,000
1905H12,500,000
1919H2,500,000
19232,500,000
19245,000,000
19252,500,000
19262,500,000
19315,000,000
19336,500,000
19345,000,000
19415,000,000

References

  1. Book: Krause, Chester L.. Standard Catalog of World Coins. 2001. Krause Publications. Iola, Wisconsin. 9780873418843. 918–919. registration.