Collection: The Cold War on Paper: Old Banknotes that Tell the Story of South Vietnam

Discover the Notaphily of South Vietnam: A Legacy of Conflict and Resistance

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of South Vietnamese banknotes , where each vintage note reflects the Vietnam War, ideological division, and the vibrant cultural heritage of Saigon. At Iberoamericana Banknotes , we present our meticulously curated collection of vintage South Vietnamese banknotes , designed for both seasoned collectors and new buyers passionate about the monetary heritage of this divided nation. Vintage South Vietnamese banknotes are more than just paper money; they are relics that chronicle the introduction of the South Vietnamese piastre in 1953, issued by the National Bank of South Vietnam, and its replacement by the South Vietnamese dong in 1975 following the fall of Saigon, symbolizing the ephemeral sovereignty of a country caught in the Cold War.

The Evolution of Old Banknotes in South Vietnam: From the Piastra to the Dong Sur

Before 1954, Vietnam, under French rule, used the Indochinese franc . Following the Geneva Conference and the partition of Vietnam in 1954, the National Bank of South Vietnam , founded in 1951, introduced the South Vietnamese piastre (VND) in 1953, divided into 100 centimes. The first 1-piastre banknotes , issued in 1953, featured designs with President Ngo Dinh Diem and rural motifs such as rice paddies. In 1963, after the coup against Diem, a series featuring General Nguyen Van Thieu was released. In 1975, the South Vietnamese dong was introduced, but the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, unified the currency under the Vietnamese dong .

Rare Antique Banknotes from South Vietnam: Jewels of Cold War Notaphily

Our collection highlights rare antique banknotes from South Vietnam , such as:

Piastra Series 1953-1960 : the 10 piastra of 1954 with Ngo Dinh Diem and the national shield.

Series 1963-1970 : the 100 piastre of 1964 with Nguyen Van Thieu and the Presidential Palace.

South Dong Series 1975 : The 500 South Dong of 1975 issued in the last days of Saigon.

Printing errors : banknotes with duplicate serial numbers or without the president's signature.

For Cold War banknote enthusiasts, we include exclusive pieces such as the 1953 1 piastre note with independence motifs and the final 10,000 piastre note from 1974 featuring the palace. These vintage banknotes incorporate basic security features such as watermarks with the president and fluorescent fibers. The rarity of the 1953 (pre-Diem) and 1975 (final days) issues makes them highly sought-after pieces at international auctions, valued for their connection to the war and Vietnamese culture.

Preservation and Authenticity of Old Banknotes: Our Promise

Conservation is a key pillar in our selection of antique South Vietnamese banknotes . Each piece is assessed according to international standards such as VF (Very Fine) or UNC (Uncirculated), guaranteeing the clarity of details like watermarks with the president, fluorescent fibers, and official signatures. 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 found in wartime replicas.

Why Collect Old South Vietnamese Banknotes

From the 1954 10 piastre banknote featuring Diem and rice paddies, to the 1975 500 dong banknote depicting the palace in its final days, this collection offers an immersive experience in the history of South Vietnam. Each vintage banknote reflects key moments, such as the division of 1954 or the fall of Saigon in 1975. For new collectors , it's an entry point into Cold War collecting; for seasoned collectors , it's an opportunity to acquire complete series of Diem-era 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 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 banknotes from South Vietnam to new heights.