Issued in 2017 by the National Bank of Cambodia, this 20,000 Riels banknote commemorates the 65th birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni. It is a special commemorative edition that forms part of the enhanced circulation series from recent years.
The obverse features a bust of King Norodom Sihamoni with an intricate stone background and a carved naga (mythical serpent) head on the left. A holographic security strip runs vertically on the left side, and inscriptions appear in Khmer script.
The reverse depicts the Banteay Srei Library, ancient ruins, and stone guardian carvings, highlighting Cambodia’s rich historical architecture.
Security features include a watermark of King Norodom Sihamoni’s portrait looking left with floral motifs, a solid security thread with demetalized “NBC” text, and high-quality cotton paper substrate.
The banknote measures 155 × 72 mm and is cataloged under Pick number P‑70.
Commemorative issue
65th Anniversary of King Norodom Sihamoni
Obverse
Bust of King Sihamoni with intricate stonework background, naga head stone carving to the left. Foil hologram strip on the left side of the note. Wording in Khmer.
Lettering:
๒๐๐๐๐
ពីរម៉ឺនរៀល ๒๐๐๐๐
20000
Translation:
20000
TWENTY THOUSAND RIEL 20000
20000
Engraver: National Bank of Cambodia
Reverse
Library of Bantaey Srei, ancient ruins and Khmer stone guardian carving.
Lettering:
20000
๒๐๐๐ ពីរម៉ឺនរៀល ๒๐๐๐
Engraver: National Bank of Cambodia
Watermark
H.M. King Sihamoni, facing left, floral pattern to the right
© Micheal Linke
Comments
This note was announced by Prime Minister Hun Sen, by a sub-decree, in honor of the 65th birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni. While issued as a commemorative, it was released as part of the general circulation upgraded notes in previous years.
The 10th-century temple of Bantaey Srei is one of the highlights of the Angkor Wat UNESCO World Heritage Site, although it is 30km well outside from the main temple complex and other ruins. Although it is smaller in scale than most of the other well known Angkor monuments, is perhaps the best preserved. It is made from red sandstone, a material that can be carved like wood. As the image on the note shows, this resulted in some finest, most intricate carvings in all of Angkor.
(Coin World Article, By Arthur L. Friedberg
Published: May 28, 2018)
UV activity (365nm):
© Brandon Bertolli
Features
| Issuer | Cambodia |
|---|---|
| Issuing bank | National Bank of Cambodia (established in 1992) |
| King | Norodom Sihamoni (2004-date) |
| Type | Circulating commemorative banknotes |
| Year | 2017 |
| Value | 20 000 Riels 20 000 KHR = GBP 3.69 |
| Currency | Second riel (1979-date) |
| Composition | Paper |
| Size | 155 × 72 mm |
| Shape | Rectangular |
