Four Thomas and three mints : the Hong Kong Royal Mint and its transnational influence in East Asia, 1857-1890

Abstract

This dissertation provides a comprehensive history of the establishment and transnational influence of the Hong Kong Royal Mint from 1857 to 1890. It examines the chaotic environment of multiple currencies co-circulating in Hong Kong prior to the Mint’s creation, alongside the colonial government’s industrialization efforts in the early years of the colony. Despite significant investment and ambition, the Mint struggled to gain acceptance among Hong Kong’s Chinese community, ultimately failing due to cultural resistance, mismanagement, and the ambivalent attitudes of various governors. The analysis reveals how the Mint’s closure in 1868 symbolizes the complexities of British activities at the fringes of the empire, positioning the Hong Kong Mint as a crucial intersection point of these dynamics. Furthermore, the study explores the Mint’s unintended legacy: the transfer of its machinery and expertise to Japan, which facilitated the modernization of the Meiji government, and Qing China’s eventual adoption of minting technology amid its decentralized governance. Through a transnational lens, this dissertation underscores the interplay of colonial ambition, economic policy, and individual actors in shaping East Asia’s monetary history. The Hong Kong Mint’s history reveals the significant role of Britain in the Far East across diplomatic, political, and economic aspects.