Hong Kong Bauhinia Flower 5 Dollars Coin (Currency-based)
Coin (Numismatic/Circulation) · None (Copper-Nickel Alloy). The greyish, metallic tone and oxidized green patina indicate a lack of gold content.
Purity: 0% / Non-Gold (Copper-Nickel). This item is not solid gold, gold-filled, or gold-plated; it is a base metal circulation coin.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Circulation)
Purity
0% / Non-Gold (Copper-Nickel). This item is not solid gold, gold-filled, or gold-plated; it is a base metal circulation coin.
Gold Type
None (Copper-Nickel Alloy). The greyish, metallic tone and oxidized green patina indicate a lack of gold content.
Weight
13.47 grams (Standard mint weight for this denomination)
Description
A standard circulation 5-dollar coin from Hong Kong featuring the regional floral emblem, the Bauhinia blakeana. While the user inquired about gold, this specific specimen is composed of copper-nickel and has undergone significant environmental oxidation, resulting in a dark patina and green corrosion spots.
Key Features
Bauhinia flower on obverse, denomination on reverse, distinctive thick security edge.
Color & Finish
Dull silver-grey metallic color with a matte, circulated finish; shows heavy oxidation and green verdigris (copper corrosion).
Hallmarks & Stamps
No gold hallmarks. Stamped with 'HONG KONG' in English and Chinese characters; features the Bauhinia blakeana flower design.
Dimensions Estimate
27 mm in diameter, 3.3 mm in thickness
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
None; reeded edge with a central groove (security edge feature)
Chain & Links
N/A; reeded edge with a vertical security groove characteristic of HK 5-dollar coins.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial die-striking with standard relief for circulation currency.
Authentication Indicators
Red Flag: Visible green corrosion (verdigris) is an indicator of base copper-alloy metals and does not occur on high-purity gold. Color and wear patterns are inconsistent with gold.
Origin & Maker
Hong Kong, minted by the Royal Mint (UK) or localized minting facilities for the HKMA.
Era & Period
Post-Colonial Hong Kong (1993-Present)
Age Estimate
Likely produced between 1993 and the early 2000s based on wear and design series.
Cultural Significance
The Bauhinia is the national flower of Hong Kong and symbolizes the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair (Circulated). Heavy surface scratching, significant oxidation, and visible green verdigris on the upper right quadrant of the obverse.
Value Estimate
Face Value: 5 HKD (approx. $0.64 USD). Melt value is negligible (base metal). No premium due to poor condition.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry to prevent further verdigris growth; do not clean with abrasives as it destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free coin flip.
Similar Items
1997 Commemorative Gold Proof Sets (which contain actual 22K gold versions of this design), or general circulation 2-dollar and 10-dollar coins.
Interesting Facts
The Bauhinia flower replaced the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on Hong Kong coinage leading up to the 1997 handover to China.