Tools of the trade: early banknotes in Asia

Tools of the trade: early banknotes in Asia

About this collection

HSBC has been issuing banknotes since its inception in 1865 and we remain a principal note issuer in Hong Kong today. You’d have been very likely to carry HSBC notes in your wallet if you were living in or travelling through Asia during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The popularity of our banknotes helped provide the impetus for several local governments to establish their own paper currency systems. Enjoy exploring these early examples from our collection.

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