2 hao 1975
About This Note
This is an uncirculated 2 Hao note from North Vietnam's 1975 issue, presenting exceptional eye appeal with crisp detail throughout. The note features the iconic state emblem with star on the obverse and revolutionary military imagery on the reverse, both executed in fine engraved detail with warm earth-tone colors. As a small denomination from the final year of North Vietnam's independent currency issue, this UNC example represents an important piece of Vietnamese numismatic history during the unification period.
Common. This is a standard circulation issue from 1975 with a serial number (EC 048149) indicating substantial production volume. Small denomination notes from this period were printed in large quantities and many examples survive in various grades. Unless specific print run documentation indicates an unusually limited issue for this particular series identifier (EC), the abundance of these notes in the market supports a common classification.
Issued in 1975 by the State Bank of Vietnam (Ngân Hàng Nhà Nước Việt Nam), this note commemorates the Democratic Republic of Vietnam during the culminating year of the Vietnam War and subsequent national unification. The revolutionary military figures depicted on the reverse symbolize the socialist ideology and military struggle that defined the North Vietnamese state, while the state emblem with star on the obverse reinforces the communist symbolism of the regime that would soon govern a unified Vietnam.
The obverse features a large circular state emblem at center containing a single star, the primary symbol of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, surrounded by radiating sunburst line work. Ornate decorative borders with scrollwork and geometric floral patterns frame all four corners in a classical engraved style. The reverse depicts two revolutionary soldiers or fighters in military attire—one pointing while holding a rifle and the other standing in solidarity—set against a simple ground landscape, symbolizing the military struggle of the North Vietnamese state. Matching ornamental corner designs and oval denomination cartouches complete the symmetrical composition. The color palette of cream, brown, olive green, and gray creates a dignified, austere appearance befitting the revolutionary period.
Front side: 'NUOC VIET NAM DAN CHU CONG HOA' translates to 'Democratic Republic of Vietnam'; 'HAI HAO' and '2' indicate the denomination of Two Hao. Back side: 'NGAN HANG NHA NUOC VIET NAM' translates to 'State Bank of Vietnam'; 'HAI HAO' and '2' repeat the denomination; '1975' indicates the issue year; 'EC 048149' represents the printer identifier and serial number.
Intaglio/engraving printing process, as evidenced by the fine line work, intricate border patterns, detailed facial features on the military figures, and the precise geometric background patterns observed throughout. The quality of detail and crisp impressions suggest production by a specialized security printer, likely working under Soviet or Chinese technical standards common to socialist-era currency production.
Serial number EC 048149 indicates the 'EC' series variety. The 1975 date and State Bank of Vietnam issuer are consistent with the final currency issue of North Vietnam before the 1976 unification. No overprints or significant varieties are apparent from the visual analysis. The UNC condition and clean preservation suggest this note has not circulated, preserving any original characteristics from the 1975 print run.
