Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 10 Cents 1997, KM# 72, Hong Kong, Transfer of Sovereignty
  • 10 Cents 1997, KM# 72, Hong Kong, Transfer of Sovereignty
Description

On 1 July 1997, the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China took place, officially marking the end of Hong Kong's 156 years under British colonial governance. Hong Kong switched its country of administration overnight to become China's first Special Administrative Region.

Obverse

Bauhinia or Hong Kong orchid flower.

The flag of Hong Kong features a white, stylised, five-petal Hong Kong orchid flower (Bauhinia blakeana), a flower discovered in Hong Kong.

Engraver: Joseph Yam

香 港
HONG KONG

Reverse

Depicts a junk, denomination and date.

A junk is an ancient Chinese sailing ship design that is still in use today. The first records of junks can be found in references dating to the Han Dynasty (220 BCE-200 CE).

Engraver: Lady Haddon-Cave

壹 10 毫
19 97
TEN CENTS

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Brass Plated Steel
Weight 1.85 g
Diameter 17.55 mm
Thickness 1.18 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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