10 dong 1958

Common. The 1958 10 đồng (Pick 74) was part of the early regular circulation series of North Vietnam and experienced a substantial print run. While notes from this era and region are less frequently encountered in Western collections compared to contemporary issues from other Asian countries, this particular denomination and date combination remains relatively available in the numismatic market. The PMG 66 EPQ grade indicates a high-quality uncirculated example, which commands a modest premium over lower grades, but the underlying note type itself is not scarce or difficult to obtain.

Issued in 1958 by the National Bank of Vietnam (Ngân Hàng Quốc Gia Việt Nam), this note represents the early consolidation period of North Vietnam following the 1954 Geneva Accords that partitioned the country. The portrait of Ho Chi Minh on the obverse symbolized the revolutionary leadership and national identity, while the factory complex depicted on the reverse illustrated the regime's emphasis on industrialization and socialist reconstruction after years of colonial and wartime disruption. This series predates the major currency reforms and hyperinflation that would affect Vietnamese currency in subsequent decades.

The obverse features Ho Chi Minh rendered in three-quarter profile facing left, portrayed as a bearded elder statesman wearing a collared tunic, emphasizing his role as the venerable revolutionary leader. The portrait is positioned on the right side of the note and serves as the primary focal point. The left side displays a large ornamental '10' within elaborate decorative frames. The center-top contains the Vietnamese state emblem—a circular seal featuring a single gold star representing the unified nation. Ornamental scrollwork and floral patterns frame the design throughout. The reverse depicts an industrial facility with multiple smokestacks and multi-story factory buildings, symbolizing North Vietnam's development of heavy industry and socialist modernization. A waterway is rendered in the foreground. Large denominations '10' appear within circular medallions on both sides. The entire design employs symmetrical ornamental borders with floral and geometric patterns characteristic of mid-20th century currency design.

FRONT: 'Nước Việt Nam Dân Chủ Cộng Hòa' (Democratic Republic of Vietnam) appears at top center above the national emblem. 'Mười Đồng' (Ten Dong) is inscribed in words. Serial number 'NL 168017' is printed. BACK: 'Ngân Hàng Quốc Gia Việt Nam' (National Bank of Vietnam) appears at top. 'Mười Đồng' (Ten Dong) is inscribed. The date '1958' is noted. Denomination '10' appears in multiple decorative cartouches on both sides.

This note was produced using intaglio (engraving and recess printing), the standard security printing method for currency during this period. The intricate line work, fine detail in the portraiture, and precisely rendered ornamental elements visible in the images are hallmarks of intaglio technology. The uniform color coverage and sharp impression of the red/maroon overprint on the cream/beige base stock reflect high-quality letterpress or offset printing for the secondary color elements. The Vietnamese currency notes of this era were typically printed by the National Printing Works or under contract with Soviet or Chinese state printers, though specific attribution for this Pick 74 would require archival research.

The observed serial number 'NL 168017' represents the standard numbering sequence for this issue. The 'NL' prefix appears to be consistent with North Vietnamese note production standards. No overprints, date variations, or signature varieties are evident in the visual analysis. The 1958 date is singular for this Pick number. Collectors should note that varieties in early Vietnamese currency are sometimes attributed to different printing runs or minor design states, but no specific documented varieties are indicated by the current specimen.