Hong Kong One Dollar (Elizabeth II, Second Portrait)

Hong Kong (British Crown Colony) · 1987

A circular cupro-nickel coin featuring the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and a crowned British Lion holding a pearl on the reverse.

Country: Hong Kong (British Crown Colony)
Year: 1987
Denomination: One Dollar (1 HKD)
Metal: Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified May 22, 2026More hong kong (british crown colony) coins →

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Overview

A circular cupro-nickel coin featuring the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and a crowned British Lion holding a pearl on the reverse.

Historical significance

This coin was issued during the British colonial period of Hong Kong. Coins of this design were part of the daily currency until the transition towards the 1997 handover, after which the portrait of the Queen was replaced by the Bauhinia flower design.

Obverse (front)

Second crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. Legend: QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND.

Reverse (back)

A crowned lion (passant guardant) holding a pearl, representing Hong Kong. Inscribed with 'HONG KONG ONE DOLLAR' and the year '1987'. Characters '香港壹圓' (Hong Kong One Dollar) are at the sides.

Estimated value

$0.20 - $0.50 in circulated condition; $1.00 - $3.00 in uncirculated (MS) condition.

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade) is the primary factor. High-grade uncirculated examples or 'Proof' strikes command a premium. Common circulated dates like 1987 hold mostly face or decorative value.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine. Shows clear signs of circulation, surface scratches, and minor rim nicks, but all text and major design elements are legible.

Mintage & rarity

Common; approximately 40,000,000 minted in 1987.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for crispness in the milling (edge) and the weight/diameter standard. Counterfeits of common dates are rare, but magnetic testing can help; this coin is non-magnetic.

Notable varieties & errors

No major recognized die varieties exist for the 1987 circulation strike.

Similar coins

Often confused with newer Bauhinia flower dollars or other Commonwealth dollars (like those of Australia or Canada) that also feature Queen Elizabeth II portraits.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges to avoid fingerprint oils. Store in a cool, dry place inside a non-PVC coin flip or acid-free holder. Do not clean or polish, as this destroys numismatic value.