20 kip 1963

Common. This is a regular issue note from a series with substantial historical print runs. eBay market data shows consistent sales of uncirculated examples in the $1.50–$4.50 range over a 16-year period (2009–2026), with professionally graded higher-condition examples reaching $15–$28. These price points and consistent availability indicate healthy supply in the collector market. The 2019 catalog value for UNC is listed at $1.50, and the denomination (20 Kip) is well-represented in surviving examples.

Issued in 1963 by the Banque Nationale du Laos during the reign of King Savang Vatthana, this note represents the early period of independent Laotian currency following French colonial rule. The bilingual French-Lao text and formal portrait of the reigning monarch reflect Laos' political status and cultural identity during the early Cold War era. The temple imagery, specifically representing Wat Sop Monastery in Luang Prabang, emphasizes the enduring importance of Buddhist heritage in Laotian national identity and architecture.

The obverse features a formal three-quarter portrait of King Savang Vatthana in full ceremonial military dress uniform with ornate collar insignia and chest medals, positioned at the left side of the note. The right side of the obverse displays an architectural rendering of a traditional Laotian temple or palace structure featuring classical Southeast Asian design elements including white columns, a distinctive peaked and ornamental roof, and surrounding palm trees. Ornate decorative borders frame all sides with intricate engraved floral patterns and figurative designs typical of Laotian royal iconography. The reverse centers on a detailed architectural study of a Buddhist temple—identified as Wat Sop Monastery in Luang Prabang—rendered with careful attention to the building's peaked roof with ceremonial spire, columned structures, and tropical landscape setting with palm vegetation. The reverse border design mirrors the obverse with seated and standing figures in ornamental frames, circular seals or emblems positioned in corner cartouches, and fine line engraving throughout.

FRONT: Lao script 'ທະນາຄານແຫ່ງວາວວາວ' (Banque Nationale du Laos / National Bank of Laos); French 'LE GOUVERNEUR' (The Governor); Lao script 'ຜູ້ອອກບໍລິການ' (Governor); French 'UN CENSEUR' (One Auditor/Auditor); Lao script 'ຜູ້ສຳມະໂນ' (Auditor); Lao script 'ຮູບກີບ' (Kip); Serial number '02143879323'; designation 'S1'. BACK: French 'BANQUE NATIONALE DU LAOS' (National Bank of Laos); French 'VINGT KIP' (Twenty Kip); Denomination '20'; French warning text 'LE CONTREFACTEUR SERA PUNI CONFORMÉMENT À LA LOI.' (Counterfeiters will be punished in accordance with the law.)

Intaglio (steel engraving) printing, evidenced by the fine line work, ornate border details, and the depth of impression visible throughout both sides of the note. The security features employ traditional anti-counterfeiting engraved border patterns and fine line work characteristic of mid-20th century central bank note production. No specific printer attribution is documented in standard catalogs for this Pick number, though the quality suggests production by a recognized international security printer of the period.

This note is cataloged as Pick 11b, with the primary distinguishing characteristic being the watermark type (tricephalic elephant arms). Pick catalog indicates two variants exist for the 20 Kip 1963 issue: P-11a and P-11b, differentiated by watermark variations. The observed serial number '02143879323' with 'S1' designation corresponds to standard production numbering for this issue. No date varieties or significant overprint variations are noted for this Pick number in standard catalogs.