Hong Kong Mercantile Bank 1974 100 HKD Notes IV. Background and Value of Collection, uncirculated (UNC) condition 1. Condition assessment: The banknote shown in the image is flat, without creases, stains, or fading, indicating it is brand new, uncirculated (UNC) condition, and is in collectible-grade condition. 2. Market positioning: Among Hong Kong's modern banknotes, it is a rare treasure, with a single new note priced far above face value, and a three-issue set commands a higher premium. 1. Issuing institution: Mercantile Bank Limited (Mercantile Bank Limited, written in traditional Chinese reversed as "行銀利有", commonly used in the old Hong Kong banknote typesetting), once one of Hong Kong's three major note-issuing banks (HSBC, Standard Chartered, Mercantile Bank); Rui You Bank was acquired by Standard Chartered in 1959 and gradually stopped issuing banknotes later. This 100 yuan series was the last 100 yuan banknote from Ru You Bank, with few surviving coins, making it a popular collectible in Hong Kong. 2. Date of issue: Marked on the banknote HONG KONG, 1st NOV. 1974 (November 1, 1974) 3. Denomination: ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS / One Hundred Yuan (100 HKD) 4. Main color: bright red, commonly known as "Beneficial Red 100" 2. Stamp design details Main motif on the left: Britannia, holding a trident and leaning on a shield, a classic iconic figure of the modern British colonial era Hong Kong dollar; The background features sailing ship patterns, echoing Hong Kong's status as a trading port. Four corners, lower left corner, and lower right corner marked with the Arabic numeral "100" + Traditional Chinese "佰壹". Intermediate English Commitment Text: Promise to pay the equivalent value in Hong Kong dollars upon presentation of the note, which is the statutory redemption inscription of the issuing bank. Two signatures: Accountant and Manager. 3. Three special points in the diagram: triple consecutive numbers The three banknotes have serial numbers: 1. B021166 2. B021167 3. B021168 is a native three-digit serial number; a well-maintained serial number is worth 100 yuan, and its collectible value far exceeds that of a single loose banknote. 4. Background and Value of Collection 1. Scarcity: Favorable banks' early withdrawal from issuing notes, with limited mintage of 1974 100 yuan, and both old notes and brand-new uncirculated notes have collectible attributes; 2. Condition assessment: The banknote shown in the image has a flat face, no creases, stains, or fading, indicating it is brand new and uncirculated (UNC) condition, indicating collectible quality. 3. Market positioning: Among Hong Kong's modern banknotes, it is a rare treasure, with a single new note priced far above face value, and a premium for a set of three consecutive issues.