Hong Kong 10 Dollars (Bauhinia series)
Country of Origin: Hong Kong (issued by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority)
Year of Issue: 1995
Denomination: 10 Dollars ($10 HKD)
Composition: Bimetallic: Cupro-nickel outer ring, Brass center
Brief Description
A bimetallic coin with a silver-colored outer ring and a gold-colored center, featuring a Bauhinia flower on one side and a large '10' on the other.
Historical Significance
Introduced in 1994 to replace the ten-dollar polymer banknote (though both recirculated later), this series replaced the Queen Elizabeth II effigy as Hong Kong prepared for the 1997 handover to China.
Estimated Value
$1.50 - $3.00 USD in circulated condition; $5.00 - $12.00 USD in high-grade uncirculated condition.
Care Instructions
Handle by the edges; avoid acidic cleaners. Store in a PVC-free flip or capsule to prevent the brass center from spotting or tarnishing.
Mint Mark
None (Produced by the Royal Mint, UK)
Mintage & Rarity
Approx. 40,000,000; common.
Weight & Diameter
11.00g / 24.0mm
Edge
Plain with incuse lettering or alternating reeded segments (specifically, a security edge)
Apparent Grade
Fine to Very Fine; shows moderate circulation wear, surface scratches, and some localized discoloration on the brass center.
Obverse (Front)
Features a Bauhinia blakeana flower in the center, with 'HONG KONG' and the Chinese equivalent '香港' on the outer ring.
Reverse (Back)
A large numeral '10' and the year '1995' in the center, with 'TEN DOLLARS' and the Chinese '拾圓' on the outer ring.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition and luster are primary; while common, coins with die rotations or 'off-center' center plugs can carry a premium.
Similar Coins
French 10 Francs or Thai 10 Baht, both bimetallic but with different imagery and denominations.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for visual clarity of the 'beaded' border between the two metals; verify weight (11g) and magnetism (copper-nickel is non-magnetic).
Notable Varieties & Errors
Medallic alignment vs. coinage alignment errors are rare but sought after.
Created At: 2026-05-22T07:27:12.870320