Hong Kong Bauhinia Flower Pattern Coin or Medallic Token
Coin/Bullion or Token · Unknown government or commercial mint; likely officially sanctioned for Hong Kong circulation or souvenir production
Pattern: Bauhinia Blakeana Orchid Flower series (Hong Kong national emblem)
Type
Coin/Bullion or Token
Maker
Unknown government or commercial mint; likely officially sanctioned for Hong Kong circulation or souvenir production
Material
Likely Cupro-Nickel or Nickel-Plated Steel rather than silver; lacks definitive sterling or silver hallmarks. Visible reddish-brown oxidation suggests base metal content
Dimensions
Estimated 25-30mm diameter (similar to a standard $5 or $2 Hong Kong coin); weight likely 7-12 grams depending on exact composition
Description
A circular metallic item featuring the iconic Bauhinia flower, which became the official floral emblem of Hong Kong in 1965 and the centerpiece of its post-colonial coinage. The piece shows significant surface wear and 'environmental damage' or tarnish typical of high-circulation base metal coins
Key Features
Stylized five-petaled Bauhinia blakeana flower; bilingual 'Hong Kong' text; encircling raised rim
Material & Composition
Likely Cupro-Nickel or Nickel-Plated Steel rather than silver; lacks definitive sterling or silver hallmarks. Visible reddish-brown oxidation suggests base metal content
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck with high-relief central motif of the Bauhinia flower; satin background with raised lettering and edge rim; classic numismatic finish
Hallmarks & Stamps
Labeled '香港' (Hong Kong in Traditional Chinese) at top and 'HONG KONG' in Latin block letters at bottom; no purity marks like .925 or 1000 visible
Construction Details
Machine die-struck using industrial coinage presses; features a raised protective rim and a flat, potentially reeded or smooth edge
Functional Features
Currency or commemorative token intended for exchange or as a memento; features the symbolic flora of the region
Handle & Grip Details
None; handheld disc form designed for pocket or collector folder storage
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial minting; crisp die-work on the petals but lacks the hand-finishing or engraving found in high-end silver hollowware
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the Bauhinia design matches official Hong Kong Monetary Authority specifications; lettering font is consistent with 1990s-era minting
Origin & Manufacturing
Hong Kong; likely minted at established facilities like the Royal Mint (UK) or modern contract mints for the HKMA
Era & Period
Modern Era (Post-1993 for this specific Bauhinia design motif)
Age Estimate
Circa 1993 to present; this design replaced the British monarch portraits during the transition to the SAR
Cultural Significance
Represents the identity of Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) and its botanical heritage
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; shows heavy surface tarnish, potential corrosion spots (pitting), and significant abrasions/fine scratches from circulation
Value Estimate
Face value (if a $5 coin) or nominal collector value ($1-$5 USD) due to commonality and poor condition
Care & Maintenance
Gentle cleaning with mild soap and water only if necessary; avoid abrasive silver polishes as the piece is likely not silver and the plating could be further damaged
Similar Pieces
Standard Hong Kong $1, $2, or $5 circulating coins; similar Bauhinia silver bullion rounds minted by private dealers
Interesting Facts
The Bauhinia flower was chosen as a neutral symbol to replace the Queen’s head on coins leading up to the 1997 handover to China