1924) Banknotes of Cambodia: Riels:
Cambodia, (or the Kingdom of Cambodia), is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is 181,035 square kilometres (69,898 square miles) in area, bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the north, Vietnam to the east and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest.
Cambodia has a population of over 15.0 million. Buddhism is enshrined in the constitution as the official state religion, and is practised by more than 97% of the population.
Cambodia's minority groups include Vietnamese, Chinese, Chams and 30 hill tribes.
The capital and largest city is Phnom Penh, the political, economic and cultural centre of Cambodia.
The Kingdom is an elective constitutional monarchy with a monarch, currently Norodom Sihamoni, chosen by the Royal Council of the Throne as head of state.
The head of government is the Prime Minister, currently Hun Sen, the longest serving non-royal leader in Southeast Asia, ruling Cambodia since 1985.
Historical Evolution of Cambodia - A brief:
In 802 AD, Jayavarman II declared himself king, uniting the warring Khmer princes of Chenla under the name "Kambuja".
This marked the beginning of the Khmer Empire, which flourished for over 600 years.
The Indianised kingdom facilitated the spread of first Hinduism and then Buddhism to much of Southeast Asia and undertook many religious infrastructural projects throughout the region.
Angkor Wat is the most famous of these structures and is designated as a World Heritage Site.
In the fifteenth century, after the rebellion of Ayutthaya, which was formerly ruled by the Khmer Empire, Cambodia experienced the decline of power, while its neighbors Vietnam and Thailand grew stronger.
In 1863, Cambodia became a protectorate of France, and later was incorporated into French Indochina of Southeast Asia.
Cambodia gained independence from France in 1954.
Following the 1991 Paris Peace Accords, Cambodia was governed briefly by a United Nations mission (1992–93). The UN withdrew after holding elections in which around 90 percent of the registered voters cast ballots.
The 1997 factional fighting resulted in the ousting of the government by Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Cambodian People's Party, who remain in power.
Cambodia is a member of the United Nations since 1955, ASEAN, the East Asia Summit, the WTO, the Non-Aligned Movement and La Francophonie.
Constitutionally a multi-party liberal democracy, the country is de facto governed under one-party rule as of 2018.
The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has a rich and complex history which can be divided into four distinct periods:
- 1954 to 1964: Cambodia gained independence from the French Protectorate in 1954.
The National Bank of Cambodia was established after the Indochina Printing Institution closed when Cambodia obtained its independence from France, in the same year. The NBC gained autonomy of printing Riel as the national currency, as well as, managing the banking system in Cambodia. The Cambodian Currency - the Riel - appeared in 1955, when it replaced the formerly used Indochinese piastres.
- 1975 to 1979: The National Bank of Cambodia was closed during to the Khmer Rouge regime. The building was destroyed, the banking system collapsed, and the use of Khmer Riel Notes was eliminated. During the Democratic Kampuchea from 1975 to 1979 under the Pol Pot government, the whole financial system ceased to exist and the monetary circulation and the banking system were dismissed; but the Central Bank was re-established in October 1979.
- 1979 to 1993: Rebuilding the National Bank of Cambodia from scratch and reissuing of the Khmer Riel in circulation.
Transitioning from a centrally planned economy to a free market economy.
The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) was known as the "Red Bank" or "Banque Rouge", and "People's National Bank of Kampuchea" from 1979 to 1992. Headquartered in Phnom Penh, the Bank is commonly referred to by the local population as the "Red Bank" (or "Banque Krahom") because of the colour of the building of its HQ.
- 1993 to Present: Gradually the banking system was strengthened and modernized and Cambodia becomes one of the strongest growing economies in the world.
The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) is the Central Bank of Cambodia. The bank's supervisory responsibilities include, inter alia, the management of monetary and exchange policies, the regulation of banks and financial institutions, and the control of the National Currency, the Riel.
The Currency of Cambodia:
The Riel is the currency of Cambodia.
The name of the currency derives from the Mekong River Fish, the "Riel" ("small fish" in Khmer). The name may also derive from the high silver content Mexican Real used by Malay, Indian and Chinese merchants in mid-19th-century Cambodia.
There have been two distinct Riel, the first issued between 1953 and May 1975. Between 1975 and 1980 the country had no monetary system.
A second currency, also named "Riel", has been issued since 20.03.1980.
First Riel, 1953–1975:
In 1953, the Cambodia branch of the "Institut d'Émission des États du Cambodge, du Laos et du Vietnam" issued notes dual denominated in piastre and riel with the riel being at par with the piastre.
At the same time, the two other branches of the Institut had similar arrangements with the đồng in South Vietnam and the kip in Laos. The piastre itself was derived from Spanish pieces of eight (pesos).
The Riel was at first subdivided into 100 centimes (abbreviated to cent. on the coins) but this changed in 1959 to 100 Sen.
For the first few years, the Riel and Piastre circulated alongside each other. The first Riel banknotes were also denominated in piastres.
The issues/denominations issued over the years, briefly, include:
First issue, 1955–56: 1 riel, 5 riels, 10 riels, 50 riels.
Second issue, 1956: 1 riel, 20 riels, 50 riels, 100 riels, 500 riels.
Third issue, 1956: 100 riels, 500 riels.
Fourth issue, 1963: 5 riels, 10 riels, 100 riels.
Fifth issue, 1972: 100 riels, 500 riels, 1,000 riels, 5,000 riels.
The Khmer Rouge, 1975–1980, 1993–1999:
Although the Khmer Rouge printed banknotes, these notes were not issued as money was abolished after the Khmer Rouge took control of the country.
Sixth issue, 1975: 0.1 riel (1 kak), 0.5 riel (5 kak), 1 riel, 5 riels, 10 riels, 50 riels, 100 riels.
In 1993 the Khymer Rouge printed a series of coloured banknotes for limited use on territories controlled by them. The Regional issues included - 5 riels, 10 riels, 20 riels, 50 riels, 100 riels.
Second Series of Riel Banknotes (1980–present):
After the Vietnamese invasion in 1978, the Riel was re-established as Cambodia's national currency on 01.01, 1980, subdivided into 10 "kak" (or 100 "sen").
Because there was no money for it to replace and a severely disrupted economy, the central government gave away the new money to the populace in order to encourage its use.
Banknotes:
The Banknotes issued in the present Series in circulation include:
The Front of the 50 Riels Banknote shows the Banteay Srei.
Banteay Srei or Banteay Srey: is a 10th-century Cambodian temple dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Located in the area of Angkor, it lies near the hill of Phnom Dei, 25 km (16 mi) north-east of the main group of temples that once belonged to the medieval capitals of Yasodharapura and Angkor Thom.
Banteay Srei is built largely of red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings which are still observable today. The buildings themselves are miniature in scale, unusually so when measured by the standards of Angkorian construction. These factors have made the temple extremely popular with tourists, and have led to its being widely praised as a "precious gem", or the "Jewel of Khmer Art."
The Back of the 50 Riels Banknote shows a Dam.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 130 mm x 60 mm and its colour is predominantly dark brown and tan.
It was first issued on 29.08.2002.
Two variants were issued in the 100 Riels denomination:
The Front of the first 100 Riels variant shows the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh.
The Independence Monument: in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, was built in 1958 to memorialise Cambodia's independence from France in 1953.
It stands on the intersection of Norodom Boulevard and Sihanouk Boulevard in the centre of the city. It is in the form of a lotus-shaped stupa, of the style seen at the Khmer temple at Banteay Srei and other Khmer historical sites. The Monument stands 37 metres tall.
During national celebrations, The Independence Monument is the center of activity. A ceremonial flame on the interior pedestal is often lit by a royal or high official on these occasions, and floral tributes line the stairs.
On the Back of the first 100 Riel variant is depicted a school.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 130.0 mm x 60.0 mm and its colour is predominantly purple, brown and green.
This Banknote was first introduced into circulation on 09.08.2001.
On the Front of the second 100 Riels variant is depicted a Naga head (Mythical Snake), Buddha, King Father Norodom Sihanouk as a young monk.
On the Back of the second 100 Riels variant is depicted a Khymer statue, Wat Preah Keo (Silver Pagoda) and Buddha.
The Silver Pagoda: is located on the south side of the Royal Palace in Chey Chumneas, Phnom Penh. Its official name is "Wat Ubaosoth Ratanaram", also known as "Wat Preah Keo Morakot" (or "Temple of the Emerald-Crystal Buddha").
The vihara houses many national treasures including many gold and jeweled Buddha statues. The most significant are a small green crystal Buddha (the "Emerald Buddha" of Cambodia), and a life-sized gold "Maitreya Buddha" commissioned by King Sisowath, weighing 90 kg and dressed in royal regalia and set with 9584 diamonds, the largest of which weighs 25 carats, created in the palace workshops during 1906 and 1907.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 138.0 mm x 64.0 mm and its colour is predominantly orange and brown.
This Banknote was first introduced into circulation on 14.01.2014.
Two variants were issued in the 500 Riels denomination:
On the Front of the first 500 Riels variant is seen Angkor Wat.
Angkor Wat: Angkor Wat (meaning "Temple City" or "City of Temples"), located in northwest Cambodia, is the largest religious structure (temple complex) in the world by land area, measuring 162.6 hectares (401+3⁄4 acres). At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of four towers surrounding a central spire that rises to a height of 65 m (213 ft) above the ground. The temple has three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. It lies within an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2+1⁄4 miles) long and a moat more than five kilometres (three miles) long.
The Temple was built at the behest of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yaśodharapura (present-day Angkor), the capital of the Khmer Empire, as the state temple for the empire. Originally constructed as a personal mausoleum for Suryaman, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu in the early 12th century, it was converted to a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century.
Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture - the Temple-mountain and the later galleried Temple.
It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the "Devas" in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology.
Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west. Scholars are divided as to the significance of this. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of its architecture, extensive bas-reliefs, and statues of Buddhas and Devas that adorn its walls.
As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation. The temple is at the pinnacle of the high classical style of Khmer architecture.
It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Cambodia and around the world. Angkor Wat played a major role in converting Cambodia into a Buddhist nation.
On the Back of the first 500 Riels variant is seen the Kizuna Bridge over the Mekong River.
The Kizuna Bridge: is a bridge on the Mekong River in the town of Kampong Cham and in the district of Kampong Cham. It was opened in 2001 and was the first bridge to be built over the Mekong river in Cambodia.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 138.0 mm x 64.0 mm and its colour is predominantly red and purple.
This Banknote was first introduced into circulation on 04.04.2003.
On the Back of the second 500 Riels variant is seen the Neak Loeung Bridge, the Kizuna Bridge over the Mekong River, a Monument & a Frieze.
Tsubasa Bridge (also known as Neak Loeung Bridge): links Kandal Province with the town of Neak Loeung, Prey Veng Province in Cambodia, on the heavily travelled Highway 1 between Phnom Penh, and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 138.0 mm x 64.0 mm and its colour is predominantly pink and gray.
This Banknote was first introduced into circulation on 14.01.2014.
Two variants were issued in the 1000 Riels denomination:
On the Front of the first 1000 Riels variant is seen the Southern Gate at Bayon.
On the Back of the first 1000 Riels variant is seen the Autonomous Port of Kampong Saom (Sihanoukville).
Sihanoukville Autonomous Port: lies within Sangkat 1 with an area of around 124.76 hectares (308.3 acres). The port is 18 kilometres (11 mi) from the Kaong Kang Airport and 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from Sihanoukville town centre. The ships' passengers are allowed to visit Sihanoukville town. The terminal itself offers apart from toilets, no further services, such as shopping centers, banking facilities or tourist offices.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 138.0 mm x 64.0 mm and its colour is predominantly brown and lilac.
This Banknote was first introduced into circulation on 06.01.2006.
On the Front of the second 1000 Riels variant is seen the head of a Naga mythical snake , Arms and King Norodom Sikanouk.
On the Back of the second 1000 Riels variant is seen the Royal Palace throne room, "Kinnari" (half human, half bird).
The dimensions of this Banknote are 146.0 mm x 68.0 mm and its colour is predominantly purple and brown.
This Banknote was first introduced on 25.10.2017.
On the Front of the 2000 Riels Banknote is seen the Prasat Preah Vihear.
On the Back of the 2000 Riels Banknote is seen the Angkor Wat and Rice Field Worker.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 146.0 mm x 68.0 mm and its colour is predominantly purple and brown.
This Banknote was first introduced on 25.10.2017.
Two variants were issued in the 5000 Riels denomination:
On the Front of the first 5000 Riels variant is seen King Norodom Sihanouk.
On the Back of the first 5000 Riels variant is seen the Bridge of Kampong Kdei (Siem Reap Province).
Spean Praptos (also known as "Kampong Kdei" Bridge): on the road from Angkor to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, used to be the longest corbeled stone-arch bridge in the world, with more than twenty narrow arches spanning 285 ft (87m).
The bridge was built in the 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. It is one of the few Khmer empire era bridges to have survived to the modern day.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 146.0 mm x 68.0 mm and its colour is predominantly Green and Gray.
This Banknote was first introduced on 06.04.2001.
On the Front of the second 5000 Riels variant is seen a Naga Head, King Norodom Sihanouk wearing a beret.
On the Back of the second 5000 Riels variant is seen a Naga Head, Kampong Kdei Bridge , Friezes and a chariot.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 146.0 mm x 68.0 mm and its colour is predominantly violet and brown.
This Banknote was first introduced on 25.10.2017.
Two variants were issued in the 10000 Riels denomination:
On the Front of the first 10000 Riels variant is seen King Norodom Sihanouk.
On the Back of the first 10000 Riels variant is seen the Sisowath Quay.
Sisowath Quay (Preah Sisowath Quay): is a 3-kilometre riverfront strip lined with hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. The strip is filled with vendors and locals, and is popular with tourists. The portion in front of the palace was used for watching boat races during the Water Festival.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 146.0 mm x 68.0 mm and its colour is predominantly violet, blue and brown.
This Banknote was first introduced into circulation on 06.04.2001.
On the Front of the second 10000 Riels variant is seen a Naga and King Norodom Sihamoni.
On the Back of the second 10000 Riels variant is seen the Neak Pean (entwined serpents), archaeological ruins of Buddhist Temple on Circular Road in Preah Khan Baray, Angkor and a stone statue of Horse, Balaha.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 146.0 mm x 68.0 mm and its colour is predominantly blue.
This Banknote was first introduced into circulation on 15.05.2015.
On the Front of the 15000 Riels Banknote is seen a seven-headed Naga and King Norodom Sihamoni.
On the Back of the 15000 Riels Banknote is seen the coronation of Norodom Sihamoni, Win-win memorial, a three-headed elephant carrying a Garuda bearing a Swan.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 146.0 mm x 68.0 mm and its colour is predominantly purple.
This Banknote was first introduced on 07.10.2019.
On the Front of the 20000 Riels Banknote is seen King Norodom Sihamoni.
On the Back of the 20000 Riels Banknote is seen the Angkor Wat Temple, Four faces of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 155.0 mm x 72.0 mm and its colour is predominantly blue.
This Banknote was first introduced on 05.12.2008.
Two variants were issued in the 50000 Riels denomination:
On the Front of the first 50000 Riels variant is seen King Norodom Sihanouk.
On the Back of the first 50000 Riels variant is seen the Angkor Wat Temple.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 150.0 mm x 70.0 mm and its colour is predominantly Violet, brown and blue.
This Banknote was first introduced on 06.04.2001.
On the Front of the second 50000 Riels variant are seen King Norodom Sihanouk and a Naga.
On the Back of the second 50000 Riels variant is seen the Bakong Temple and a sculpture of an elephant at Koh Ker Temple.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 150.0 mm x 70.0 mm and its colour is predominantly brown.
This Banknote was first introduced on 06.05.2014.
On the Front of the 100000 Riels Banknote is seen seen the Royal Coat of Arms of Cambodia, King Father Norodom Sihanouk, Queen Mother Norodom Monineath, and a Naga Head.
On the Back of the 100000 Riels Banknote is seen the King Father Norodom Sihanouk, Queen Mother Norodom Monineath, King Norodom Sihamoni and a stone sculpture.
The dimensions of this Banknote are 170.0 mm x 77.0 mm and its colour is predominantly Brown.
This Banknote was first introduced on 14.05.2013.
(The two Banknotes featured above have been contributed for my collection by Sanjeev Hukmani).
Santosh Khanna has commented:
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DeleteAshok Borate has commented:
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DeleteRajan Trikha has commented:
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Thank you, Trikha sahab.
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