2018 Series Banknotes

HSBC HK
2018 Series Banknotes

HSBC’s 2018 new series incorporates a unique design narrative that connects Hong Kong’s people, landmarks and nature to showcase the facets of life in Hong Kong.

Facets of life in Hong Kong are portrayed through the interaction between people, as well as between people and nature. Despite technological innovation and economic development, certain values and traditions are always treasured and stand the test of time.

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Important information

If you think that a note may be a counterfeit, take it to the nearest police station as soon as possible. Alternatively, call the Commercial Crime Bureau at 2860 5012.

Take a closer look at the new series banknotes

The design of the 2018 series combines innovation with tradition.

Innovative watercolour painting technique

Used to introduce a modern and distinctive artistic style, while traditional banknote engraving techniques are retained. This is the first use of watercolour painting in a Hong Kong banknote.

Traditional elements

HSBC lion “Stitt” first became an icon on HSBC’s banknotes in 1972. “Stitt” and the other HSBC lion sculpture, “Stephen”, have been guarding the HSBC Hong Kong headquarters since 1935, and are named after Alexander Stephen and Gordon Stitt, senior bank managers in Hong Kong and Shanghai during the 1920s.

An extra sense of dynamism is introduced in the 2018 series, where “Stitt” is seen from a different angle on each denomination and appears to be transferring his gaze from one side to the other through the set of five banknotes.

The design of the 2018 series combines innovation with tradition.

Innovative watercolour painting technique

Used to introduce a modern and distinctive artistic style, while traditional banknote engraving techniques are retained. This is the first use of watercolour painting in a Hong Kong banknote.

Traditional elements

Design elements on the front

The front of each banknote bears our traditional elements – the HSBC lion “Stitt” and the Main Building at 1 Queen’s Road Central. “Stephen” and “Stitt” have been part of our community through the generations and Hong Kong people often rub their paws for luck. The Main Building has been in use since 1985 and is an unmissable component of the modern Hong Kong skyline.

Use of vertical layout on the reverse side

The 2018 series marks the first use of a vertical layout on Hong Kong banknotes. Illustrations on the back of the banknotes are based on specially commissioned photos that feature different facets of life in Hong Kong.

$1,000

Financial Metropolis as seen through a special panoramic fisheye lens creates a stunning image of the Central business district of the city, the harbour and the mountain range including the Lion Rock in the background, representing the prosperity and vibrancy of Hong Kong.

$500

Hexagonal Rock Columns at High Island Reservoir East Dam are one of the most accessible rare geological formations in Hong Kong and form part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. Two hikers are seen appreciating the spectacular S-shaped intrusion on the rock columns. White-bellied Sea Eagles shown in the image are often spotted over this natural wonder and around the coast. Hong Kong has 510 recorded bird species and the only regular breeding colony of White-bellied Sea Eagles in China.

$100

Cantonese Opera was listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. Cantonese Opera continues to thrive in Hong Kong attracting young people to learn and appreciate the art, alongside other modern art forms from around the world. This scene depicts a loving couple meeting in a Chinese garden, while the costumes, make-up, gestures and Yue Qin musical instrument all combine to capture the essence of Cantonese Opera.

$50

Butterfly and Flowers form an iconic flora and fauna scene in Hong Kong, including urban areas. There are about 240 recorded species of butterflies, most of them brilliantly coloured. Here, a swallowtail butterfly is seen spreading its wings while resting on a China Rose Hibiscus flower, which is a source of food for the butterfly.

$20

Tea Gathering, or Yum Cha, is a popular family leisure activity in Hong Kong. In a time-honoured gesture, a young child is shown pouring tea for the elder generations, illustrating traditional filial piety rooted in Chinese culture.

Security features

The 2018 series banknotes have seven sophisticated security features.

An iridescent pattern on the mane of “Stitt” on all five banknotes shimmers when tilted under bright light.

All notes have a microtext hexagon and the letters “HSBC” in the large numerals at the top left corner. Raised printing gives the note an embossed feeling when touched.

Large numerals of each denomination appear as a concealed denomination when the note is tilted.

Rotating circles in the windowed metallic thread are visible as part of the enhanced security in the centre of each note when it is tilted.

Two visual effects – a dynamic shimmering pattern – appear around the numeral on the top right corner as a shimmering horizontal circle appears to rotate when the note is tilted.

The bauhinia flower, leaves, bud and denomination numeral can be seen in the enhanced watermark on the right side of the note as viewed from the front when it is held up to the light.

A fluorescent see-through pattern on the front and back of the notes fits to form a number when the note is held up to the light. Only part of the pattern appears on each face of the note when viewed from that side before being held up.

1. When will the 2018 series be available for exchange?
    The new $1,000 banknotes will be available in end 2018.

2. When will the other four denominations of $500, $100, $50 and $20 be issued?
    The other four denominations of $500, $100, $50 and $20 will be issued between 2019 and 2020, and further announcements will be made nearer the time the new notes are put into circulation.

3. Will the new $1,000 banknotes be refused by automatic cash deposit machines?
    All the cash deposit machines will have been duly calibrated for acceptance of the new $1,000 banknotes before the banknotes are in circulation.

4. Is the supply of new $1000 banknotes sufficient to meet demand?
    The new $1,000 banknotes will be put into circulation gradually. The 2010 series will remain as legal tender and co-circulate with the new banknotes. There will be sufficient supply of $1,000 banknotes to meet public demand.

5. What are the dimensions of the banknotes? Are they the same as the previous series?
    Yes, the dimensions are the same as the previous series.

6. Will the current banknotes continue to be legal?
    All existing banknotes continue to be legal tender.

7. Will all denominations under the new series of HSBC start with serial number AA?
    Yes, all denominations of the new series banknotes will start with serial number AA.

8. What are the features to help the visually impaired identify the different denominations?
    - Braille in the bottom left-hand corner of the note
    - Tactile lines – raised printing near the edges of the notes
    - High-tactility numeral (embossed feel) – large numerals found at the top left of the front of the notes

2018 HSBC New Series Hong Kong Banknotes

Important information

Take a closer look at the new series banknotes

Design narrative

Design elements

Security features

Frequently Asked Questions