A 161-year-old Hong Kong banknote has sold for HK$1.7 million (approx. $217,000) at auction, setting a new record for the most expensive Hong Kong banknote ever sold. The banknote, which was issued by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) in 1860, is considered a rare and valuable collector’s item.
The banknote, which is denominated at $10, features a black-and-white image of the bank’s head office on one side and an illustration of the bank’s founders, Thomas Sutherland and James Johnstone, on the other. It is one of only a few surviving examples of the banknote, which was issued during the early years of HSBC’s operations in Hong Kong.
The auction, which was held by Spink, a London-based auction house specializing in rare coins and banknotes, attracted bidders from around the world. The final bid of HK$1.7 million was made by an anonymous collector, who now owns the piece of history.
The previous record for the most expensive Hong Kong banknote was set in 2015 when a note issued by the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China sold for HK$1.5 million at auction.
The 161-year-old banknote is not only a valuable collector’s item but also a piece of history. It serves as a reminder of the early days of HSBC and its role in the development of Hong Kong as a major financial centre. The banknote also serves as a symbol of the growth and evolution of the Hong Kong economy over the past century and a half.
In conclusion, a 161-year-old Hong Kong banknote has sold for HK$1.7 million at auction, setting a new record for the most expensive Hong Kong banknote ever sold. The banknote, which was issued by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) in 1860, is considered a rare and valuable collector’s item. The auction, held by Spink, attracted bidders from around the world and the final bid was made by an anonymous collector. This banknote not only serves as a valuable collector’s item but also a piece of history and a symbol of the growth and evolution of the Hong Kong economy over the past century and a half. The banknote’s historical significance is further reinforced by its association with HSBC, which was founded in Hong Kong in 1865. The bank, which is now one of the largest and most respected financial institutions in the world, has played a key role in the development of Hong Kong as a major financial centre. The banknote, issued by HSBC in its early years, serves as a reminder of the bank’s humble beginnings and its rise to become a global financial powerhouse.
Collectors of rare banknotes have always been fascinated by the historical significance and rarity of such items. This banknote, being one of the few surviving examples from its era, adds to its value and desirability. The banknote is also a testament to the enduring power of currency and how it has evolved over the centuries.
This record-breaking sale of the 161-year-old banknote is a reminder of the growing interest in collecting rare banknotes, not only as an investment but also as a piece of history. It also highlights the increasing demand for such items and the potential for these rare banknotes to appreciate in value over time.
In conclusion, a 161-year-old Hong Kong banknote has sold for HK$1.7 million at auction, setting a new record for the most expensive Hong Kong banknote ever sold. The banknote, issued by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) in 1860, is considered a rare and valuable collector’s item. It serves as a reminder of HSBC’s humble beginnings and its rise to become a global financial powerhouse. It is also a testament to the enduring power of currency and how it has evolved over the centuries. The sale of this banknote is a reminder of the growing interest in collecting rare banknotes, not only as an investment but also as a piece of history and highlights the potential for such items to appreciate in value over time.
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