The 1902 Hong Kong Ten Cents is an early‑Edwardian silver issue struck during the first year of coinage under King Edward VII. Produced in .800 fine silver, it continues the established Hong Kong fractional silver standard used throughout the late Victorian and early 20th‑century period.

The obverse features the crowned and robed bust of Edward VII facing right, with the legend EDWARD VII KING & EMPEROR. Beneath the bust appear three small initials — the engraver’s signature, not a mintmark. These initials identify the die engraver responsible for the portrait and are found on Royal Mint issues.

The reverse displays the denomination TEN CENTS in English and Chinese, together with the date 1902. The 1902 issue is popular with collectors for its attractive bilingual layout, early‑reign portrait, and modest mintage relative to later Edwardian and George V issues.

Obverse

Crowned bust of Edward VII facing right. Legend: EDWARD VII KING & EMPEROR. Engraver initials beneath bust (three‑letter monogram).

Reverse

Denomination TEN CENTS in English and Chinese. Date 1902.

Historical Notes

• First‑year Edward VII silver issue for Hong Kong.
• Royal Mint London issue — no Heaton “H” mintmark.
• Three‑initial monogram beneath bust is the engraver’s signature, not a mintmark.
• Part of the long‑running bilingual Hong Kong silver series.
• .800 silver standard used for Ten Cents throughout the era.

Specifications

• Country: Hong Kong
• Denomination: Ten Cents
• Year: 1902
• Monarch: Edward VII
• Metal: .800 Silver
• Weight: 2.71 g
• Diameter: 17.5 mm
• Edge: Reeded
• Mint: Royal Mint, London
• Mintmark: None
• Obverse: Bust of Edward VII right with engraver initials
• Reverse: TEN CENTS in English & Chinese, date below
• Mintage: 1,000,000
• Catalogue References:
  • KM: 5
  • Pridmore: Type 42

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