1 riel 1956

Common. The 1956 Cambodian 1 Riel note was produced in substantial quantities as the denomination of lowest face value in regular circulation. While the specific Pick-4a2 variety may show minor variations, the overall issue is widely available in the numismatic market. The PMG 67 EPQ grade indicates exceptional quality rather than rarity—high-grade examples command premiums due to condition, not scarcity of the underlying note type.

Issued by the Banque Nationale de Cambodge in 1956, this note commemorates Cambodia's independence and the early years of the Khmer Kingdom's monetary autonomy. The depicted port scene on the obverse represents Cambodia's maritime commerce and economic aspirations, while the reverse features traditional Khmer architecture—likely the Royal Palace or a significant Buddhist temple—reflecting the nation's cultural and historical continuity. This series was produced during a brief window of stability before the tumultuous political changes of the 1960s-1970s.

The obverse features a symmetrical composition with an active harbor scene as the central vignette, depicting multiple traditional sailing vessels and steamships at dock, representing Cambodia's port commerce and maritime trade. The reverse showcases classical Khmer architecture with multi-tiered traditional roofs and ornate spires, consistent with representations of the Royal Palace or a significant Buddhist temple. Both sides are framed by elaborate decorative borders incorporating geometric and floral motifs in the Art Deco-influenced style typical of 1950s Commonwealth and Asian banknote design. Corner medallions with circular geometric designs enhance the ornamental quality. The color palette—dominated by green and purple on the obverse, green and light blue on the reverse—creates visual distinction between sides while maintaining design cohesion.

Front: Khmer text ស្រា៉ាក (Riel/currency denomination), Khmer text ក្រម (One), Serial number 723327 (appears multiple times). Back: French text BANQUE NATIONALE DU CAMBODGE (National Bank of Cambodia), French/English text UN RIEL (One Riel), Khmer text ម្នាក់ក (institutional designation), Khmer text ក្រម (One). The bilingual French-Khmer inscription reflects Cambodia's colonial heritage and post-independence identity.

Intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the fine geometric line work, intricate border patterns, and sharp detail reproduction observed throughout the design. The complex decorative elements, security line work, and precise serial number placement are characteristic of high-security intaglio production. This note was likely produced by a specialized security printer; given Cambodia's post-colonial status in 1956, production may have involved a European security printer such as Waterlow & Sons or similar Commonwealth-affiliated security printing houses that serviced newly independent nations.

This example is cataloged as Pick-4a2, indicating a specific variety within the 1956 1 Riel issue. Serial number 723327 is shown; radar number properties (serials reading identically forward and backward) may apply to this specific piece, as noted in the collector notes. The bilingual French-Khmer inscription was standard for all notes in this series. Varieties within this issue typically relate to serial number prefixes, watermark variations, or minor printing differences rather than design changes. The 1956-75 date range notation suggests this denomination remained in production across Cambodia's tumultuous political transitions, though the original 1956 Banque Nationale de Cambodge printings are specifically identified by this catalog number.