5 kip 1962

Common. The extensive eBay sales data spanning 2009-2025 shows consistent and frequent market transactions at low valuations, with UNC examples regularly selling in the $1.50-$5.00 range (recent 2025 sale at $1.50). PMG-graded examples in higher grades (65-67) command $10-$30, but the sheer volume of sales indicates a large original print run with abundant surviving examples. The 2019 catalog value of $1.25 for UNC further confirms this as a standard, readily available early Laotian note.

Issued by the Banque Nationale du Laos in 1962, this note commemorates a pivotal moment in Laotian independence and nation-building. King Sisavang Vong's portrait on the obverse represents the constitutional monarchy that anchored Laos during this period. The reverse's depiction of Pha That Luang—Buddhism's holiest site in Laos—and the prominent elephant symbolize the cultural and religious foundations central to Laotian identity, reflecting the values the newly sovereign nation sought to project internationally.

The obverse presents King Sisavang Vong in formal profile facing left, dressed in official ceremonial attire with collar detail, positioned on the right side of the note. A large ornate central emblem with geometric and floral patterns separates the left and right portions, with decorative corner flourishes above and corner emblems below framing the composition. The predominant color scheme is light green and cream with pink tints. The reverse features an elaborate engraved landscape scene of Pha That Luang temple on the left with its distinctive multi-tiered dome and spires, surrounded by decorative temple fencing with ornamental posts and palm trees. A Buddhist monk or religious figure in robes stands prominently in the center-right, positioned beside a large elephant, symbolizing both spiritual and national identity. The background employs fine line work and complex shading to render the tropical landscape. Green, pink/mauve, white/cream, and gray dominate the color palette.

OBVERSE: 'ເສດໄທ' (Lao script, country/authority designation); 'LE GOUVERNEUR' (French: 'The Governor'); 'ລະອາວາດທາງ' (Lao script, authority/officials); Serial number 616772; Series designation A.16 (both repeated). REVERSE: 'BANQUE NATIONALE DU LAOS' (French: 'National Bank of Laos'); Denomination inscriptions: '5' and 'CINQ KIP' (French: 'Five Kip'), repeated at bottom right; 'LE CONTREFACTEUR SERA PUNI CONFORMEMENT À LA LOI' (French: 'Counterfeiters will be punished according to law').

Intaglio engraving (recess printing), evidenced by the fine detail work, sharp line rendering, intricate border patterns, and complex background shading visible throughout both sides. The precision of the portraiture and architectural rendering of the temple indicates professional security printing typical of early Laotian banknotes. The printing was executed by the Banque Nationale du Laos' official security printer.

This example is cataloged as Pick 9b with watermark identified as tricephalic elephant arms (three-headed elephant), which is the standard watermark for this issue. The PMG population records note that three variants exist under the base Pick 9 number (P-9b, P-9cts, and P-9s), indicating different signature combinations or technical variants. The observed serial number format (A.16. prefix with 616772) and series designation are consistent with standard 1962 issuance patterns. No overprints or special markings are apparent on this example.