As King George VI of Britain ruled over the then-colony of Hong Kong from 1936 until 1952, there were several different coins issued for circulation in Hong Kong in a few different denominations. Collecting the Hong Kong George VI coins of this era can be more varied than collecting George V coins from Hong Kong.
Note also that by this time, Hong Kong coins were no longer made of silver.
Varieties of Hong Kong George VI Coins
After King George V died in 1936 his son Edward VIII became king. However the new monarch abdicated the throne after a mere eleven months. Thus the short-time king’s brother, George VI, took over and would rule from December 1936 until 1952. In that year, he died and Elizabeth II became Queen, whereupon new coins were minted for Hong Kong.
More: Australia King George VI stamps for philatelists and other buyers
Denominations on George VI Coins
In Hong Kong, the George VI coins available to collectors include four face values:
- 1 cent – First issued in 1941.
- 5 cents – First issued in 1937.
- 10 cents – First issued in 1937.
- 20 cents – none
- 50 cents – First issued in 1951.
- 1 dollar – none
The 5-cent and 10-cent coins were struck in nickel. The George VI 50-cent coin of 1951 was made of copper-nickel.
Hong Kong George VI coins offer varieties in metals if not in denominations. For instance, there were several 5-cent coins: the 1937 nickel piece, another nickel coin from 1938-1941, and the nickel-bronze version of 1949-1950.
The 10-cent coins of the George VI era followed the 5-cent schedule almost exactly: the 1937 variety and the 1938-1939 coin were both nickel. A nickel-bronze 10-cent coin was minted for Hong Kongers from 1948 to 1951.
See also: Singapore Rare Coins: Great Collectibles from All Eras
Collecting HK Coins from King George VI
Working towards a complete set of Hong Kong George VI coins is a reasonable and exciting way to construct your own collection. You can also concentrate on a specific year or years, or pursue any other method that appeals to you. Reliable online vendors who sell Hong Kong coins from the George VI reign, either singly or in multiple-coin collections and lots, change their listings daily. Keep an eye out and go ahead and order any coins that you like.
