PMG Counterfeit Detection: Hong Kong 100 Dollars - Contemporary Counterfeit

The Chartered Bank of India, Australia & China was one of several banks that issued Hong Kong Dollars in the 20th century. Examples of its 1941-56 100 Dollar note generally realize more than $1,000 at auction, with prices reaching several thousand dollars in or near About Uncirculated condition. Nearly 500 examples are listed in the PMG Population Report (with a median grade of PMG 25 Very Fine).

Genuine Hong Kong 1941-56 100 Dollars Click images to enlarge.

At its sole discretion, PMG also certifies Contemporary Counterfeits of certain banknotes, including this catalog number. Two examples have realized $1,560 at Heritage Auctions sales in recent years. Though both were in grades that would have brought more if they were genuine, the price still demonstrates intense collector interest in these notes. A third example, graded PMG 62 Uncirculated, is being offered in an October 2026 auction.

Contemporary Counterfeit Hong Kong 1941-56 100 Dollars Click images to enlarge.

The first step of the certification process is determining whether a note is genuine. The tiny text and guilloche patterns in a note like this are an excellent place to start. Note how the '100's generally line up neatly on the genuine (when they are the same color), while the Contemporary Counterfeit has some difficulty achieving this, particularly below the 'ce' in December. The heart shapes that are created by the guilloche patterns are also less consistent on the Contemporary Counterfeit.

Close-ups of the Contemporary Counterfeit (left) and genuine Click images to enlarge.

The Contemporary Counterfeit also suffers from an uneven application of ink, which is particularly noticeable in the Chinese characters on the top of the front of the note.

Close-ups of the Contemporary Counterfeit (left) and genuine Click images to enlarge.

It is also evident elsewhere, including below and to the right of the word ACCOUNTANT. In each of the three sets of close-up images here, notice that the genuine has dark-colored fibers embedded in vertical strips on the front of the note. On the Contemporary Counterfeit, these fibers lack the consistency, visibility, and higher volume that are present on the genuine.

Close-ups of the Contemporary Counterfeit (left) and genuine Click images to enlarge.

A Hong Kong banknote like this can be an excellent addition to a numismatic collection, but it's important to know its background. Remember, PMG backs its determinations of authenticity and grade with the PMG Guarantee.