16/03/2021: New 5 Rial Polymer Banknote Introduced
A new polymer banknote with a denomination of 5 rials was introduced, enhancing durability and security features of the currency.
18/05/2005: Removal of Ten Hong Kong Dollars Note
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced the removal of the HKD 10 paper note from circulation, encouraging the usage of electronic payment methods and reducing printing costs.
15/01/2003: New Omani Rial Banknotes Issued
New series of Omani rial banknotes were introduced, featuring enhanced security features and updated designs.
01/07/1997: Hong Kong's Handover to China
Hong Kong was officially handed over to China, marking the end of British colonial rule but maintaining the Hong Kong Dollar as its currency under the 'one country, two systems' principle.
12/06/1994: Smaller Denomination Coins Issued
Small denomination coins, including 5, 10, 25, and 50 baisa coins, were issued in order to facilitate everyday transactions.
17/10/1991: Linked Exchange Rate System
The Linked Exchange Rate System (LERS) was implemented, establishing a narrow trading range of HKD 7.75 to 7.85 against the U.S. Dollar, backed by stringent measures to maintain stability.
17/03/1986: 200 Baisa Coin Introduced
A new 200 baisa coin was introduced, becoming the highest denomination coin in circulation at that time.
31/12/1983: Joint Declaration on the Future of Hong Kong
The Sino-British Joint Declaration was signed, affirming Hong Kong's return to China in 1997 and ensuring the continuity of the Hong Kong Dollar as its official currency.
11/11/1975: 1/8 Rial Copper-Nickel Coin Introduced
A new 1/8 rial coin made of copper-nickel was introduced, representing a fractional value of the rial currency.
02/03/1973: Rial Oman Pegged to US Dollar
The Omani rial was officially pegged to the United States dollar, with an exchange rate of 1 OMR = 2.895 USD.
22/05/1972: Pegging to the U.S. Dollar
As the British Pound faced pressures in the foreign exchange market, Hong Kong decided to switch the peg to the U.S. Dollar at a rate of HKD 5.65 to USD 1.
27/07/1970: Rial Oman is Introduced
The Omani rial was introduced, replacing the Gulf rupee at a rate of 1 rial = 2.6008 rupees.
12/09/1935: Pegging to the Sterling
The Hong Kong Dollar was pegged to the British Pound (Sterling) at a fixed exchange rate of HKD 16 to GBP 1, which helped stabilize the currency.
01/01/1863: Introduction of the Hong Kong Dollar
The Hong Kong Dollar was first introduced as an official currency by the British colonial government to facilitate trade and commerce in Hong Kong.