Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 1 Dollar 1997, KM# 75, Hong Kong, Transfer of Sovereignty
  • 1 Dollar 1997, KM# 75, 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 qilin, denomination and date.

The qilin (Chinese: 麒麟; pinyin: qílín) is a mythical hooved chimerical creature known in Chinese and other East Asian cultures, said to appear with the imminent arrival or passing of a sage or illustrious ruler. It is a good omen thought to occasion prosperity or serenity. It is often depicted with what looks like fire all over its body. Qilin is often translated into English as "unicorn" as it can sometimes be depicted as having a single horn, although this is misleading as qilin may also be depicted as having two horns. Qilin generally have Chinese dragon-like features. Most notably their heads, eyes with thick eyelashes, manes that always flow upward and beards. The body is fully or partially scaled and often shaped like an ox, deer, or horse. Always shown with cloven hooves.

Engraver: Lady Haddon-Cave

壹 1 圓
19 97
ONE DOLLAR

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 7.1 g
Diameter 25.5 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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