Issued between 1973 and 1975 by the National Bank of Cambodia, this 500 Riels banknote belongs to the last series before the Khmer Rouge regime took control. The obverse features a portrait of Norodom Sihanouk, Cambodia’s then Head of State, surrounded by Khmer script inscriptions and traditional ornamental designs.
The reverse showcases the iconic Angkor Wat temple, a symbol of Cambodia’s rich cultural and historical heritage, framed by intricate geometric patterns and Khmer motifs. Printed on cotton-based paper, the note includes security features such as a watermark and a security thread to deter counterfeiting.
Obverse
Green and black on multicolor underprint.
Girl with vessel on head at left.
Reverse
Farmers harvesting rice in paddy; bas-relief frieze at Angkor Wat below.
Lettering:
BANQUE NATIONALE DU CAMBODGE
500
Translation: Natiuonal bank of Cambodia
Watermark
Bust of man, facing right
© Micheal Linke
Printer
De La Rue (Thomas de la Rue; Thomas De La Rue & Co.; TDLR), London, United Kingdom (1821-date)
Comments
Varieties:
a. Signature 13; 14.
b. Signature 15.
s. As a. Specimen.
UV activity on front:
© Max_505
Features
| Issuer | Cambodia |
|---|---|
| Issuing bank | National Bank of Cambodia (established in 1954) |
| Ruling authority | Khmer Republic (1970-1975) |
| Type | Standard circulation banknotes |
| Years | 1972-1975 |
| Value | 500 Riels |
| Currency | First riel (1953-1975) |
| Composition | Paper |
| Size | 183 × 86 mm |
| Shape | Rectangular |
