New Banknotes of the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited in 2003

2003 Series Banknote Design
HK$20: A panorama from the Peak
HK$50: Scenic charm of the Victoria Harbour
HK$100: Rainbow Crossing
HK$500: Thoroughfare to the World
HK$1000: An enormous legendary bird flapping its wings

Bank of China (Hong Kong)'s 2003 Series Banknotes highlight various local scenic spots and can be described as a kaleidoscope of themes reflecting Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. The front panels of the banknotes show Bank of China Tower and the bauhinia, in addition to the name of the Bank and its logo. The back panels feature major landmark constructions in Hong Kong, using fine Chinese traditional carving techniques to illustrate the delicate painting. The layout of the banknotes is simple but elegant.

The 2003 Series HK$100 and HK$500 banknotes were put into circulation in December 2003. The HK$20, HK$50 and HK$1000 banknotes were also put into circulation starting from mid-October 2004.
- Located at the Victoria Peak on the Hong Kong Island, the Peak Tower holds its own unique style and commands a panoramic view of Hong Kong. Being a well-known tourist attraction, the Tower witnesses the robust development of the tourism industry in Hong Kong.
  
  The HK$20 banknote has a blue colour scheme, with a measurement of 143 mm (length) by 71.5 mm (width).
- Visible Fluorescent
  Fluorescent image can be seen under ultraviolet light.
- Fluorescent Machine Readable Barcode
  Machine readable barcode and denomination numeral visible on the front panel under ultraviolet light.
- Intaglio Printing
  Given an embossed feel, particularly on finger feel lines at the bottom right corner, Bank of China Tower and lettering of the front panel.
- See-through Pattern
  Exactly aligned on both sides when the note is held against the light.
- Multitone and Highlight Watermarks
  A very bright watermark, showing the bauhinia flower and the denomination numeral when the note is held against the light.
- Serial Numbers
  Printed horizontally and vertically on the front panel. Novel vertical serial number is used on the left.
- Iridescent Images
  Shimmering iridescent image showing three bauhinia flowers on the front panel when the note is tilted under bright light.
- Micro Lettering
  Used in many areas of the new notes.
- Concealed Denomination
  Visible when the front panel is tilted under light.
- Denomination Numeral in Optical Variable Ink
  The colour of the denomination numeral shifts between gold and green at the bottom right corner of the front panel when the note is viewed at different angles.
- Embedded Thread
  Visible from both sides when the note is held against the light.
- Holographic Windowed Thread
  A 4mm-wide security thread with holographic images woven in the paper.
- Invisible Fluorescent Fibres
  Red, blue and green fibres (randomly embedded in the paper) visible under ultraviolet light.
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- Jutting into the Victoria Harbour, the Kowloon Peninsula is home to some of Hong Kong's most loved attractions - the Clock Tower, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the Promenade - the fascinations of this international metropolis. The ancient Clock Tower and the unique Cultural Centre add to each other's splendour, as lasting evidence of Hong Kong's transformation over the past century.
  
  The HK$50 banknote has a green colour scheme, with a measurement of 148 mm (length) by 74 mm (width).
- Visible Fluorescent
  Fluorescent image can be seen under ultraviolet light.
- Fluorescent Machine Readable Barcode
  Machine readable barcode and denomination numeral visible on the front panel under ultraviolet light.
- Intaglio Printing
  Given an embossed feel, particularly on finger feel lines at the bottom right corner, Bank of China Tower and lettering of the front panel.
- See-through Pattern
  Exactly aligned on both sides when the note is held against the light.
- Multitone and Highlight Watermarks
  A very bright watermark, showing the bauhinia flower and the denomination numeral when the note is held against the light.
- Serial Numbers
  Printed horizontally and vertically on the front panel. Novel vertical serial number is used on the left.
- Iridescent Images
  Shimmering iridescent image showing three bauhinia flowers on the front panel when the note is tilted under bright light.
- Micro Lettering
  Used in many areas of the new notes.
- Concealed Denomination
  Visible when the front panel is tilted under light.
- Denomination Numeral in Optical Variable Ink
  The colour of the denomination numeral shifts between gold and green at the bottom right corner of the front panel when the note is viewed at different angles.
- Embedded Thread
  Visible from both sides when the note is held against the light.
- Holographic Windowed Thread
  A 4mm-wide security thread with holographic images woven in the paper.
- Invisible Fluorescent Fibres
  Red, blue and green fibres (randomly embedded in the paper) visible under ultraviolet light.
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- The stately Tsing Ma Bridge, which links Lantau Island and the Kowloon Peninsula, is one of the longest highway and railway suspension bridges in the world. The hustle and bustle of the traffic along the routes connected to the Bridge is a testimony to Hong Kong's vitality and bright future.
  
  The HK$100 banknote has a red colour scheme, with a measurement of 153 mm (length) by 76.5 mm (width).
- Visible Fluorescent
  Fluorescent image can be seen under ultraviolet light.
- Fluorescent Machine Readable Barcode
  Machine readable barcode and denomination numeral visible on the front panel under ultraviolet light.
- Intaglio Printing
  Given an embossed feel, particularly on finger feel lines at the bottom right corner, Bank of China Tower and lettering of the front panel.
- See-through Pattern
  Exactly aligned on both sides when the note is held against the light.
- Multitone and Highlight Watermarks
  A very bright watermark, showing the bauhinia flower and the denomination numeral when the note is held against the light.
- Serial Numbers
  Printed horizontally and vertically on the front panel. Novel vertical serial number is used on the left.
- Iridescent Images
  Shimmering iridescent image showing three bauhinia flowers on the front panel when the note is tilted under bright light.
- Micro Lettering
  Used in many areas of the new notes.
- Concealed Denomination
  Visible when the front panel is tilted under light.
- Denomination Numeral in Optical Variable Ink
  The colour of the denomination numeral shifts between gold and green at the bottom right corner of the front panel when the note is viewed at different angles.
- Embedded Thread
  Visible from both sides when the note is held against the light.
- Holographic Windowed Thread
  A 4mm-wide security thread with holographic images woven in the paper.
- Invisible Fluorescent Fibres
  Red, blue and green fibres (randomly embedded in the paper) visible under ultraviolet light.
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- The Hong Kong International Airport is renowned for its magnificent architecture and excellent services and facilities. Having received numerous awards and been ranked as one of the busiest and most efficient airports in the world, the Airport strengthens Hong Kong's position as a significant international transportation hub.
  
  The HK$500 banknote has a brown colour scheme, with a measurement of 158 mm (length) by 79 mm (width).
- Visible Fluorescent
  Fluorescent image can be seen under ultraviolet light.
- Fluorescent Machine Readable Barcode
  Machine readable barcode and denomination numeral visible on the front panel under ultraviolet light.
- Intaglio Printing
  Given an embossed feel, particularly on finger feel lines at the bottom right corner, Bank of China Tower and lettering of the front panel.
- See-through Pattern
  Exactly aligned on both sides when the note is held against the light.
- Multitone and Highlight Watermarks
  A very bright watermark, showing the bauhinia flower and the denomination numeral when the note is held against the light.
- Serial Numbers
  Printed horizontally and vertically on the front panel. Novel vertical serial number is used on the left.
- Iridescent Images
  Shimmering iridescent image showing three bauhinia flowers on the front panel when the note is tilted under bright light.
- Micro Lettering
  Used in many areas of the new notes.
- Concealed Denomination
  Visible when the front panel is tilted under light.
- Denomination Numeral in Optical Variable Ink
  The colour of the denomination numeral shifts between gold and green at the bottom right corner of the front panel when the note is viewed at different angles.
- Embedded Thread
  Visible from both sides when the note is held against the light.
- Holographic Windowed Thread
  A 4mm-wide security thread with holographic images woven in the paper.
- Invisible Fluorescent Fibres
  Red, blue and green fibres (randomly embedded in the paper) visible under ultraviolet light.
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- The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (New Wing), standing magnificently alongside the Victoria Harbour, resembles an enormous legendary bird flapping its wings and reflects the vibrancy and contemporary characteristics of Hong Kong. The ceremony in commemoration of Hong Kong's reunification with China was held here on July 1, 1997, marking a new historic era for Hong Kong.
  
  The HK$1000 banknote has a golden colour scheme, with a measurement of 163 mm (length) by 81.5 mm (width).
- Visible Fluorescent
  Fluorescent image can be seen under ultraviolet light.
- Fluorescent Machine Readable Barcode
  Machine readable barcode and denomination numeral visible on the front panel under ultraviolet light.
- Intaglio Printing
  Given an embossed feel, particularly on finger feel lines at the bottom right corner, Bank of China Tower and lettering of the front panel.
- See-through Pattern
  Exactly aligned on both sides when the note is held against the light.
- Multitone and Highlight Watermarks
  A very bright watermark, showing the bauhinia flower and the denomination numeral when the note is held against the light.
- Serial Numbers
  Printed horizontally and vertically on the front panel. Novel vertical serial number is used on the left.
- Iridescent Images
  Shimmering iridescent image showing three bauhinia flowers on the front panel when the note is tilted under bright light.
- Micro Lettering
  Used in many areas of the new notes.
- Concealed Denomination
  Visible when the front panel is tilted under light.
- Denomination Numeral in Optical Variable Ink
  The colour of the denomination numeral shifts between gold and green at the bottom right corner of the front panel when the note is viewed at different angles.
- Embedded Thread
  Visible from both sides when the note is held against the light.
- Holographic Windowed Thread
  A 4mm-wide security thread with holographic images woven in the paper.
- Invisible Fluorescent Fibres
  Red, blue and green fibres (randomly embedded in the paper) visible under ultraviolet light.
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