1998 Hong Kong One Dollar Coin (Bauhinia Flower Series)
Coin/Bullion · Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), minted by the British Royal Mint (Llantrisant, Wales) or similar high-capacity facility under contract.
Pattern: Bauhinia Flower Series (introduced 1993 to replace the British monarch portrait)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), minted by the British Royal Mint (Llantrisant, Wales) or similar high-capacity facility under contract.
Material
Cupro-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). This item contains no silver content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 25.5 mm; Thickness: 1.9 mm; Weight: 7.1 grams.
Description
A standard circulation one-dollar coin from Hong Kong. The reverse displays the large numeral one in the center with the English and Chinese denominations, reflecting the bilingual nature of the city's administration.
Key Features
Bilingual text; 1998 date; copper-nickel color; part of the transition series away from the Queen Elizabeth II effigy.
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). This item contains no silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated strike with reeded edges. Features the Arabic numeral '1' and date '1998' on the reverse. The obverse (not visible) typically features a Bauhinia flower.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks. Includes denomination 'ONE DOLLAR' and Chinese characters '壹圓' (Yī Yuán). Date stamp '1998'.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck minting process; machine-made circulation coinage.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; reeded edges to prevent clipping and aid tactile identification.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial minting standard; sharp die strikes for mass production, though surface detail is worn from circulation.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of text, consistent font for the date, weight/diameter consistent with HKMA specifications for cupro-nickel coinage.
Origin & Manufacturing
Origin: Hong Kong, China. Manufactured in high-volume government minting facilities using industrial presses.
Era & Period
Post-Handover Era (following the 1997 transfer of sovereignty from UK to China).
Age Estimate
Dated 1998; 26 years old at the time of this assessment.
Cultural Significance
Represents the daily economic life and monetary autonomy of Hong Kong under the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; heavy surface tarnish (oxidation of copper-nickel), visible scratches, and environmental grime. Grade: Good/Very Good (Circulated).
Value Estimate
Face value: $1 HKD (approx. $0.13 USD). Numismatic value: minimal above face value due to high mintage and circulated condition.
Care & Maintenance
As a non-silver base metal coin, cleaning is discouraged for numismatic value; store in a dry environment to prevent further copper-oxide 'toning'.
Similar Pieces
1993-present HK One Dollar coins; earlier Queen Elizabeth II 'Crown' issues (pre-1993); silver commemorative issues (which would have hallmarks).
Interesting Facts
The Bauhinia flower design was chosen specifically to be neutral but representative of Hong Kong as it transitioned from a British colony to a SAR of China.