When did Hong Kong first get its own coin? What did it look like? When was the first local bank note out? A set of stamps issued recently will give you the answers.

Hong Kong had its first coin in 1863, one year after its first set of stamps was issued. Made in the UK, the 'one mil' coin followed the hollow-centred design of traditional Chinese bronze coins. Before that, people in Hong Kong used coins from different countries to buy stuff.

And did you know what you could buy with a one mil coin at that time? One mil would be about enough to buy a bowl of congee and a deep-fried dough.

In 1866, Hong Kong's first 20-cent silver coin, which was also the first Hong Kong-made coin, was out. The mint was located in Causeway Bay. Although it was turned into a sugar factory two years later, you can still find a red plaque marking the mint's former location when you go there now.

Hong Kong's first local bank note was a one-dollar note put into circulation in 1935. This note was worth a lot of money. At that time, it would buy 30 catties of rice, and most people could earn only a few dollars each month.

Want to see the coins and currency notes featured on stamps? Click here or visit the post offices where the stamps are on sale.