BRITISH COLONIAL HONG KONG 2 DOLLARS 1975

Hong Kong is a city in China that was a British colony from 1842 to 1997. It was handed back to China with a guarantee that it would remain relatively autonomous until 50 years after the change over. This western style city stands in stark contrast to its surroundings nestled within a staunchly communist nation. While under British rule, as with all colonies, the coins bear the portrait of the reigning British monarch. In this case it bears one of the more aesthetically pleasing portraits of a young Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen was born in London on 21 April 1926, the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York, subsequently King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Five weeks later she was christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary in the chapel at Buckingham Palace.

She is married to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who is the son of Prince Andrew of Greece and a great-great-grandson of Queen Victoria. Her son Prince Charles is heir to the British throne.

She has been the reigning monarch of Britain for over 50 years and is over 80 years old at this writing. Her portrait is on all British currency as is the custom.

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