Hundreds queue for special HK banknotes

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

HONG KONG (AFP) — Hundreds of people began queueing outside Hong Kong branches of the Bank of China on Monday, desperate to get their hands on special banknotes released to commemorate the upcoming Olympics.

Hundreds gathered on pavements outside five branches of the mainland bank for an overnight wait, ahead of the release of the new 20 Hong Kong dollar (2.5 US) notes, local media and an AFP photographer at one branch said.

Some hid under umbrellas as rain began to fall, while others had set up tents and brought food for the long night ahead.

The bank unveiled the notes last week. The front features a picture of a plinth, the Beijing 2008 logo and the landmark Bank of China tower in Hong Kong.

On the reverse is the image of the Beijing Olympic...