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Curiosity about a $10 coin "transformed into a 10 HK cent coin" has been sparked online after a citizen recently shared an image of a "dismantled" HK$10 coin, with its centerpiece detached.
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The image of the nickel-brass centerpiece separated from the coin's copper-nickel outer ring was posted on Threads recently, with the poster humorously noting that the coin had "transformed" into a 10 HK cent coin and asking the online community for comments.
Many speculated that the coin could be counterfeit, pointing out that the genuine HK$10 coin is made of two metals that typically do not separate. Some suggested it might be a remnant from earlier counterfeit versions of the HK$10 coin, which were known to come apart easily.
Around 100,000 counterfeit HK$10 coins were seized annually between 1997 and 2000, with a staggering 460,000 found in 2001.
Conversely, some users expressed their fascination with the split coin, sharing how it sparked their childhood curiosity about how a coin might look when taken apart.
Barrister Albert Luk Wai-hung cautioned that intentionally separating a HK$10 coin could violate the Coinage Ordinance, potentially leading to a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for criminal damage.
He urged the public to report counterfeit coins or banknotes, emphasizing that using such items could also result in charges under the ordinance.
According to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the public can request exchanges for rusty, dyed, wet, or moldy coins through the relevant note-issuing bank, but unidentified or suspected counterfeit coins will be referred to the police for verification.
