Curiosity about a $10 coin "transformed into a 10 HK cent coin" has been sparked online

The image of the nickel-brass centerpiece separated from the coin's copper-nickel outer ring was posted on Threads recently

A post on Threads showing a Hong Kong $10 coin "transformed" into a 10 HK cent coin has sparked amusement and legal discussion online.

The image, which appears to show the nickel-brass centerpiece of the coin separated from the copper-nickel outer ring, was shared recently.

"HK$10 coin transformed into 10 HK cent coin," the poster wrote. "What comments do you have?"

Many commenters speculated that the coin could be counterfeit.

"Genuine HK$10 coins are made of two metals and they don't usually separate like this," one user wrote.

"Could be an earlier version of counterfeit HK$10 coins which were famously known to come apart easily," another suggested.

Around 100,000 counterfeit HK$10 coins were seized annually between 1997 and 2000, while a record 460,000 were found in 2001.

Other users expressed their fascination with the split coin.

"It reminds me of how as a kid I used to be curious about what a coin might look like when it's taken apart," one user wrote.

Barrister Albert Luk Wai-hung cautioned that intentionally separating a HK$10 coin could violate the Coinage Ordinance.

"Those who unlawfully and maliciously damage any coin, token or banknote current in Hong Kong will be guilty of an offense and liable on summary conviction to a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment for criminal damage," he said.

He urged members of the public to report counterfeit coins or banknotes.

"Those who use counterfeit coins or banknotes may also be charged under the Coinage Ordinance or the Notes Ordinance respectively."

According to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, members of the public can request exchanges for rusty, dyed, wet or moldy coins through the relevant note-issuing bank. Unidentified or suspected counterfeit coins will be referred to the Hong Kong Police Force for verification.