1 dong 1964
About This Note
This is an exceptional example of the South Vietnamese 1 Đồng note from 1964 (Pick P-15), presented in uncirculated condition with pristine preservation throughout. The note features distinctive brown and tan coloring with ornate decorative elements, including an elaborate circular design containing the numeral '1' on the front and a detailed agricultural scene depicting a farmer with oxen on the reverse. The fine line engraving work and elaborate border ornamentation are clearly visible, showcasing the craftsmanship typical of mid-20th century Vietnamese currency production.
Common. The 1964 1 Đồng note (Pick P-15) remains relatively common in the numismatic market, particularly in uncirculated condition. South Vietnamese currency from this denomination and period was produced in substantial quantities to meet circulation demands. While uncirculated examples command modest premiums over circulated specimens, the note does not exhibit characteristics of scarcity such as a limited print run, recall status, or short-lived issuing period. The abundance of surviving examples reflects the note's straightforward production history and suggests ample supply in the collector market.
Issued by the National Bank of Vietnam during the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) period, this 1964 note reflects the nation's agricultural economy and rural character during a pivotal moment in Southeast Asian history. The prominent imagery of fieldwork with oxen and farming equipment on the reverse symbolized the agrarian foundation of South Vietnam's economy, while the organizational inscriptions reference the National Bank of Vietnam's authority during this pre-unification era. This denomination represents the early monetary system of the South Vietnamese state before currency denominations and designs underwent significant changes in the latter 1960s.
The front of the note features an elaborate classical design with the denomination 'MỘT ĐỒNG' prominently displayed within an ornamental oval frame at the center. A large circular area on the right side is positioned where a portrait would traditionally appear, creating a distinctive design characteristic. On the left, an ornate circular medallion contains the numeral '1', executed in fine line engraving with surrounding decorative scrollwork and floral patterns. The note is bordered by detailed geometric and decorative elements throughout. The reverse depicts an allegorical agricultural scene representing rural Vietnamese life and labor, showing a farmer operating a traditional ox-drawn plow or cart through tilled fields, with trees and countryside landscape visible in the background. The composition emphasizes the agrarian nature of the South Vietnamese economy. Both sides employ fine line engraving techniques with brown and tan color palettes, cream and white accents, and sophisticated decorative borders featuring geometric and floral motifs.
Front Side: 'NGÂN-HÀNG QUỐC-GIA VIỆT-NAM' (National Bank of Vietnam) appears at the top; 'MỘT ĐỒNG' (One Dong) is centered in an ornamental frame; 'TỔNG KIỂM-SOÁT' (General Inspector) and 'GIÁM-ĐỐC SỐ PHÁT HÀNH' (Director of Issuance) appear as signature lines; legal text states 'HÌNH LUẬT PHÁT KHÓ SAI NHỮNG KỲ NÀO GIÁ-MẠO GIẤY BẠC ĐỘ NGÂN-HÀNG QUỐC-GIA VIỆT-NAM PHÁT RA' (Legal statute regarding counterfeiting of banknotes issued by the National Bank of Vietnam); Serial number '642645' appears in two locations. Back Side: 'NGÂN-HÀNG QUỐC-GIA VIỆT-NAM' (National Bank of Vietnam) appears at the top; 'MỘT ĐỒNG' (One Dong) is centered at the bottom.
This note was produced using intaglio (engraving and recess printing) techniques, evidenced by the fine, detailed line work visible throughout the design, the sharp definition of the decorative borders, and the dimensional quality of the imagery. The ornate circular designs, detailed agricultural scene, and intricate scrollwork patterns are characteristic of high-quality intaglio production. The precise registration of colors and the gradient effects observed in the brown and tan colorwork indicate skilled multicolor intaglio printing. The National Bank of Vietnam used established European and international security printers for this denomination during the early 1960s period.
The observed example displays the characteristics consistent with the standard Pick P-15 variety without apparent overprints or significant modifications. The serial number format '642645' represents standard numbering practices for this issue. No multiple signature varieties or substantial design variations are noted for this Pick number. The absence of small circles and squares pattern on the back (as referenced in the catalog comparison to similar notes) confirms this as the correct P-15 variety rather than related issues like P-1 or P-9.
