2 dong 1955

Common. The 1955 2 Dong note (Pick P-12) represents a standard-issue denomination from a new nation's early currency production, with no documented evidence of severely restricted print runs, rapid recalls, or special scarcity. Notes from this series and denomination appear with reasonable frequency in the numismatic market. While high-grade examples such as this PMG 66 EPQ specimen command modest premiums over circulated copies, the note itself is not rare in absolute terms.

Issued by the National Bank of Vietnam in 1955, this note was produced during the early consolidation of South Vietnam's monetary system following the partition of the country. The reverse's depiction of rural peasant life with palm trees and agricultural structures reflects the nation's predominantly agrarian economy and cultural identity during this formative period. The presence of the Security Banknote Company imprint on the reverse indicates international involvement in producing this currency, typical of new nations requiring technical expertise in modern banknote production.

The 2 Dong note features a symmetrical classical design typical of 1950s banknote production. The obverse showcases a traditional Vietnamese sailing junk with billowing sails rendered in blue/purple inks, flanked by decorative corner medallions containing the numeral '2' in ornate circular frames. Fine-line engraving creates detailed scrollwork borders and background patterns. The reverse presents a romanticized tropical landscape vignette depicting peasant life: multiple palm trees, a simple wooden structure or cottage, and water (representing rice fields or a waterway) comprise the central design, reinforcing themes of agricultural abundance and national identity. All four corners mirror the obverse's '2' medallions with matching geometric and floral ornamental frames. The note measures standard dimensions with even margins and employs red ink for serial numbers and denomination markings on the obverse.

FRONT: 'NGÂN-HÀNG QUỐC-GIA VIỆT-NAM' (National Bank of Vietnam); 'HAI ĐÔNG' (Two Dong); 'THƯ-QUỲ TRUNG-ƯƠNG' (Central Treasury); 'TỔNG-KIỂM-TRA' (Inspector General); Serial number '331759' and series designation '36-A'. BACK: 'VIỆT-NAM' (Vietnam); 'HAI ĐÔNG' (Two Dong); 'SECURITY BANKNOTE COMPANY' (English language printer attribution); 'HÌNH LUẬT PHÁT KHÓ-SAI NHỮNG KẺ LÀM GIẢ MẠO GIẤY BẠC ĐỘ NGÂN-HÀNG QUỐC-GIA VIỆT-NAM PHÁT RA' (Legal penalty for counterfeiting banknotes issued by the National Bank of Vietnam).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving and possibly steel or copper plate engraving), as evidenced by the fine, precise line work visible in the background patterns, border ornaments, and landscape vignette. The presence of the Security Banknote Company imprint indicates production by this established security printer, known for high-quality intaglio work on banknotes. The sharp definition of both portraits and landscape elements, combined with the detailed decorative borders and medallions, confirms classical engraved plate printing rather than lithography.

Serial number 331759 with series designation '36-A' is noted on this specimen. Varieties of this Pick number are primarily distinguished by serial number prefixes, series letters, and signature combinations, though detailed variety catalogs for South Vietnamese currency of this era remain limited in English-language numismatic literature. The '36-A' series designation and red-ink serial number are consistent with standard examples from the 1955 issue.