500 riels 1958
About This Note
This 500 Riels banknote from 1958 represents a well-preserved example of early post-independence Cambodian currency, graded PMG 64 (Choice Uncirculated). The note showcases vibrant imagery celebrating Cambodia's agricultural heritage on the obverse with a farmer and oxen plowing rice paddies, while the reverse displays elegant Khmer architectural elements including a traditional Buddhist temple and ornate carved doorway. The sharp printing, well-preserved colors, and minimal handling marks make this an attractive example for collectors of Southeast Asian currency.
common. The 500 Riels denomination from the 1958 series (Pick P-14d) was a standard circulation note issued in typical quantities by the Banque Nationale de Cambodge for this period. No evidence exists of limited print runs, early recalls, or short-lived issuance that would indicate scarcity. PMG 64 examples are desirable for condition but represent normal grading outcomes for well-preserved uncirculated specimens of common-issue banknotes. This note trades at typical market values for early Cambodian currency in this grade.
Issued by the Banque Nationale de Cambodge in 1958, this note reflects Cambodia's identity during the early years following independence from France (1953). The prominent agricultural imagery—featuring oxen-driven plowing and rice paddies—celebrates the rural, agrarian foundation of Cambodian society and economy during this period. The reverse's depiction of traditional Khmer Buddhist temple architecture reinforces national cultural pride during a time when Cambodia was reasserting its sovereignty and cultural identity under Prince Norodom Sihanouk's leadership.
The obverse features a central vignette depicting a Cambodian farmer in simple rural dress guiding a pair of oxen through water and muddy terrain characteristic of rice paddy cultivation. The agricultural scene is set against a landscape of flooded rice fields, emphasizing Cambodia's primary economic sector. Ornamental maize plants frame both lateral borders in green, with the denomination '500' printed in red on left and right margins. The color palette employs pale blue and cream backgrounds with earth tones for the agricultural scene. The reverse showcases two principal architectural elements: an ornate Khmer decorative archway or temple entrance on the left with intricate carved classical Khmer motifs, and a Buddhist temple structure on the right featuring characteristic sloped roofs, decorative spires, and traditional architectural elements. Palm trees populate the landscape background. The reverse utilizes cream, yellow, brown, and gold tones with elaborate decorative borders featuring fine line work. Both sides incorporate visible watermark areas, consistent with period security practices of the Banque Nationale de Cambodge.
FRONT SIDE: Khmer denominations (ឲ००) appear on left and right reading '500 Riels' in Khmer numerals. Serial number indicator 'ព.266' with corresponding serial number '81633' (full serial: 26581633) printed in multiple locations. Khmer text 'របាជបាណិច្ឆយលោក' (Banque Nationale), 'ប្រាក់ប័ណ្ណរលោក' (Five Hundred Riels), and 'របត់ប្រាក់' (currency-related text) appear on the note. BACK SIDE: Arabic numerals '500' and Khmer 'ឲ००' (500 Riels) appear on both sides. French and Khmer text reading 'BANQUE NATIONALE DU CAMBODGE' / 'របាជបាណិច្ឆយលោក' (National Bank of Cambodia), and 'CINQ CENTS RIELS' / 'ប្រាក់ប័ណ្ណលោក' (Five Hundred Riels) are prominently displayed.
This note employs intaglio printing, evidenced by the sharp detail rendition of the architectural elements, fine line work in decorative borders, and the crisp execution of serial numbers and denominations. The multi-color printing demonstrates sophisticated color separation and registration techniques characteristic of mid-20th century central bank currency production. The visible watermark areas indicate the use of security paper manufactured to specifications of the Banque Nationale de Cambodge. The printer for this series was likely Bradbury, Wilkinson & Company or a similar established security printer, as was standard for newly independent central banks of this era.
Serial number 26581633 with prefix indicator ព.266 is noted on this specimen. Pick P-14d encompasses the 1958 issue; varieties within this pick number are primarily distinguished by serial number prefixes and signature combinations. This particular example does not appear to represent a notable reprint, overprint variety, or signature variant beyond standard production parameters of the 1958 series. Further research into the specific ព.266 prefix series may reveal print run information, though no major cataloged varieties are immediately apparent for this denomination and year.
