A further major reform of the coinage took place in 1975, when new designs, and the $2 and $5 denomination were introduced.

For over a hundred years the basic design for most of Hong Kong's coins remained the same, with the monarch's head and name on one side and the denomination on the other side. From time to time special commemorative coins were also issued to celebrate special events.

In the 1990s, prior to the resumption by China of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, the Queen's Head coins were progressively replaced by the new Bauhinia design.