Collection: The Kingdom of Millions of Elephants: Ancient Banknotes That Tell the Story of Laos

Discover Lao Notaphily: A Legacy of Independence and Buddhist Heritage

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Laotian banknotes , where each vintage banknote reflects the country's 1953 independence, Buddhist heritage, and vibrant cultural diversity. At Iberoamericana Banknotes , we present our meticulously curated collection of vintage Laotian banknotes , perfect for both seasoned collectors and new buyers passionate about the monetary heritage of this Southeast Asian nation. Vintage Laotian banknotes are more than just paper money; they are relics that chronicle the introduction of the Lao kip in 1952, issued by the Bank of Indochina, and its evolution through war and unification, symbolizing the economic sovereignty of a nation of temples and rivers.

The Evolution of Old Banknotes of Laos: From the Indochinese Piastra to the Lao Kip

Before 1952, Laos, under French rule, used the Indochinese piastre . In 1952, the Indochina Bank introduced the Lao kip (LAK), divided into 100 att. The first 1-kip banknotes , issued in 1951, featured the Lao coat of arms and Wat Si Saket temple. In 1955, the Lao Issuing Institute (IEL) took over, issuing series featuring King Sisavang Vong. Following independence in 1953 and the monarchy from 1946 to 1975, banknotes featuring the king and the dragon were issued. In 1975, with the establishment of the Democratic People's Republic, the kip was redenominated (1 new kip = 20 old kip), with banknotes featuring Kaysone Phomvihane since 1976. The current series (2010–present) has included polymer banknotes since 2018.

Rare Antique Banknotes from Laos: Jewels of Notaphily from Southeast Asia

Our collection highlights rare antique banknotes from Laos , such as:

Indochinese Piastra Series 1945-1951 : the 100 piastres of 1951 with King Sisavang Vong and the dragon.

Initial Kip Series 1952-1955 : the 10 kip of 1952 with the shield and the Wat Si Saket temple.

1975 Series (post-revolution) : the 1 kip of 1975 with the communist shield and the factory.

Printing errors : banknotes with duplicate serial numbers or without a security thread.

For enthusiasts of Southeast Asian banknotes , we include exclusive pieces such as the 1955 20 kip note featuring the king and the Mekong River, and the last 100 kip note from 1998 depicting Kaysone Phomvihane and the That Luang. These vintage banknotes incorporate basic security features such as watermarks with the king and fluorescent fibers. The rarity of the 1952 (pre-IEL) and early 1975 (post-revolution) issues makes them highly sought after at international auctions, valued for their connection to independence and Buddhist heritage.

Preservation and Authenticity of Old Banknotes: Our Promise

Conservation is a key pillar in our selection of antique Laotian banknotes . Each piece is graded on standard scales such as VF (Very Fine) or UNC (Uncirculated), guaranteeing the clarity of details like the dragon watermark, fluorescent fibers, and the signatures of the Governor of the Issuing Institute. We recommend that collectors of rare antique banknotes verify authenticity under UV light, where elements such as serial numbers glow in shades of green or blue. At Iberoamericana Banknotes , every antique banknote undergoes a rigorous verification process to guarantee its authenticity , preventing common forgeries such as irregular printing, which is frequent in wartime issues.

Why Collect Old Laotian Banknotes

From the 1951 100 piastre note featuring the king and the dragonda, to the 1998 100 kip note with Kaysone and That Luang, this collection offers an immersive experience in Lao history. Each vintage banknote reflects key moments, such as independence in 1953 or the 1975 revolution. For new collectors , it's an entry point into Southeast Asian collecting; for seasoned collectors , it's an opportunity to acquire complete series with pre-revolutionary rarities that will enrich any collection.

Trust Iberoamericana Banknotes

At Iberoamericana Banknotes , we guarantee the authenticity of every antique banknote with detailed certificates and expertise in Southeast Asian numismatics. We offer pieces in optimal condition for your collectible collection and secure, discreet international shipping to any destination. Trust our authority to elevate your passion for antique Laotian banknotes to new heights.