BOCHK’s new series of HKD banknotes features a bauhinia flower, the floral emblem of Hong Kong, and the city’s landmark Bank of China Tower on the front panels in a brand new pattern. On the back panels are five major design themes: A Smart Metropolis, Natural Scenery, Cultural Heritage, Ecological Conservation and Tea Culture. The new banknotes showcase Hong Kong as a city of East and West, a blend of old and new, and a place enriched by the beauty of nature and humanity.
In a change from the traditional horizontal design, the reverse side of the new banknotes is vertically orientated. In addition, BOCHK has blended traditional design artistry with modern printing technology to create these delicate banknotes in bright colour tones.
The 2018 Series Banknotes have been issued into circulation. The existing series of banknotes remains legal tender in Hong Kong and continues to circulate along with the new series.
Security Features
The new banknotes incorporate advanced security features. Accessibility features such as braille and tactile lines continue to be available in the new series for people with visual impairment to differentiate the denominations.
Dynamic shimmering pattern
When the note is tilted, the shimmering ring in the pattern moves correspondingly.
Windowed metallic thread
When the note is tilted, the large and small rings on the metallic thread move correspondingly.
Enhanced watermark
The theme of the bauhinia flower is used such that the flower, leaves, bud and denomination numeral can be seen when the note is held up to the light.
Fluorescent see-through denomination
The patterns on the front and back, which are of a single colour under normal light, will appear as two fluorescent colours when exposed to ultraviolet light. The patterns on the front and back fit perfectly to form the denomination numeral when the note is held up to the light.
Embossed feel
Raised printing gives the note a strong embossed feel by touch.
HK$1,000: A Smart Metropolis
The front panel of the HK$1,000 banknote features a bauhinia flower and Bank of China Tower with diamond patterns in the background. The silhouette of a human head on the right echoes the design theme of Hong Kong as a smart metropolis.
The HK$1000 banknote has a golden colour scheme, with a measurement of 163 mm (length) by 81.5 mm (width).
Two people in profile, with a representation of their brain structure made up of the digits 0 and 1, along with a globe, symbolise human wisdom. The design of this banknote signifies Hong Kong’s pool of talented people and the global vision behind the city’s vibrancy as a financial market, as well as its success as a world-class smart metropolis.
HK$500: Natural Scenery
The front panel of the HK$500 banknote features a bauhinia flower and Bank of China Tower with hexagonal patterns in the background. The silhouette of a bird on the right echoes the design theme of natural scenery.
The HK$500 banknote has a brown colour scheme, with a measurement of 158 mm (length) by 79 mm (width).
This banknote portrays the splendid array of hexagonal rock formations in Sai Kung. Formed in ancient times, these magnificent towering columns complement the strong life force of nature representing Hong Kong people’s determination and perseverance.
HK$100: Cultural Heritage
The front panel of the HK$100 banknote features a bauhinia flower and Bank of China Tower with a pattern of hand fans in the background. Adorned by the silhouettes of classic Cantonese opera characters, the design highlights the artistic heritage of traditional Cantonese opera.
The HK$100 banknote has a red colour scheme, with a measurement of 153mm (length) by 76.5mm (width).
On this banknote, we see the vivid reflection of an enchanting young actress (fadan) in a Cantonese opera against a pattern formed by window frame and auspicious clouds. She looks particularly stunning in her elegant makeup, special hairpieces, costume and a peony hand fan. All of these illustrate Hong Kong’s traditional Chinese artistic heritage.
HK$50: Ecological Conservation
The front panel of the HK$50 banknote features a bauhinia flower and Bank of China Tower, against a backdrop depicting the transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly. The silhouette of a butterfly on the right also echoes the design theme.
The HK$50 banknote has a green colour scheme, with a measurement of 148mm (length) by 74mm (width).
This banknote features the Glassy Bluebottle, a rare and beautiful local butterfly species, against a pattern of butterfly wings. The design captures the magical dance of this elegant butterfly flying around its favourite flower, the Lantana, revealing the peace and harmony of nature.
HK$20: Tea Culture
The front panel of the HK$20 banknote features a bauhinia flower and Bank of China Tower against a pattern of tea leaves, highlighting the theme of tea culture.
The HK$20 banknote has a blue colour scheme, with a measurement of 143 mm (length) by 71.5mm (width).
This banknote brings us the unique local experience of tea drinking, as shown by a teapot, tea cups and different dim sum dishes within an artistic tea leaf. This is a vivid moment in the Hong Kong lifestyle, joyfully shared with family members and friends.