Laos 10 Kip 1968 Pick 20a UNC Banknote
The Laos 10 Kip 1968 banknote (Pick 20a) was issued by the Pathet Lao during the final years of the Laotian Civil War. Although dated 1968, the note circulated throughout the late 1960s and 1970s before the establishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975. It represents an important period in Laos’ political and monetary history.
Presented in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, this banknote is a fascinating collectible for enthusiasts of Southeast Asian, Cold War and historical world currencies.
Historical Background
The 1968 Pathet Lao series was issued in territories controlled by the revolutionary movement during the Laotian Civil War. Following the communist victory in 1975, these notes continued to circulate for a period before being replaced by the currency of the newly established Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
The 10 Kip Pick 20a is the first variety of this denomination, distinguished by its Pha That Luang watermark and early serial number prefixes.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Laos
- Denomination: 10 Kip
- Year: 1968
- Pick Number: P-20a
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Pathet Lao
- Currency: Pathet Lao Kip
- Material: Paper
- Dimensions: 128 × 64 mm
- Demonetized: Yes
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Nurses caring for patients in a medical clinic
- Lao inscriptions
- Denomination numerals
- Serial numbers
- Ornamental guilloche patterns
The healthcare scene symbolises the revolutionary government’s emphasis on public welfare and social development.
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
- Soldiers planting bamboo defensive traps
- Pha That Luang stupa in Vientiane
- Decorative security patterns
- Large denomination numerals
The Pha That Luang is Laos’ most sacred Buddhist monument and remains one of the country’s most recognisable national symbols.
Security Features
- Pha That Luang watermark
- Fine guilloche engraving
- Intaglio printing
- Serial numbering
- No embedded security thread
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Laos 10 Kip 1968 Pick 20a UNC banknote is an affordable yet historically significant note from the Laotian Civil War period. Its unique combination of healthcare, military imagery and national heritage makes it one of the most distinctive issues of the Pathet Lao series.
Perfect for:
- Laos banknote collections
- Southeast Asian currencies
- Cold War collections
- Communist-era banknotes
- Historical world paper money
- UNC banknote collections
Collector’s Note
The Pick 20a is identified by its Pha That Luang watermark, while later Pick 20b notes feature a five-pointed star watermark. This makes the 20a variety the preferred issue for collectors seeking the original 1968 design in pristine UNC condition.
