TNAG-0455-FCO40-520-Minting-of-new-coins-for-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 39

C.S. 166

CONFIDENTIAL #2 機密

XCC(74)66

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2

(a) the metals currently used, nickel brass and

cupro-nickel, should be used also for the new range, the first for cent denominations and the second for dollar denominations;

(b) a reduction in weight should be achieved by

reducing the thickness, as well as the diameter, of some coins; and

(c) except for the shaped edges of the new denominations,

and the use of an up-to-date portrait of the

Queen, the basic designs of the new range should

be unchanged.

Full details of the specifications are given in paragraph 65 of the report.

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Possible public reaction to shaped coins has been tested by press publicity and through widespread informal enquiries. There has been no adverse comment from the general public.

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Another factor bearing on the size, weight and shape of coins is their suitability for use in operating various machines and for handling by machines. Enquiries by the committee have indicated that the size and weight proposals would present no problems other than the cost of adapting machines (see below, paragraphs 16 and 17). The Royal Mint have advised that shaped coins would not present insoluble problems, although such coins make the design of mechanisms more difficult and, again, generally add to the cost. A small number of users, or prospective users, of coin machines in Hong Kong have expressed concern about problems that might arise from the introduction of shaped coins; but the committee considers that either these fears would prove groundless or some means would be available to overcome any problems. There appears to be no feasible alternative to the use of shaped coins.

The changeover

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Because of storage and handling problems, and for reasons of economy, the introduction of the proposed new and revised coins would have to be spread over a number of years. The main considerations are that:

CONFIDENTIAL

機密