1955 South Vietnam 5 Đồng – Dragon & Phoenix Symbolism in the State of Vietnam Era
Pick# 2 | Printed by De La Rue, London
Issued in the final year of Bảo Đại’s State of Vietnam (1949–1955), the 1955 5 Đồng banknote stands as one of the most iconic early designs of South Vietnam. Printed by the prestigious De La Rue in London, this note blends traditional Vietnamese symbolism with refined Western engraving, capturing a pivotal moment before the formation of the Republic of Vietnam.
The obverse features a majestic phoenix (phụng) and dragon (long)—a powerful pairing in Vietnamese culture representing harmony, prosperity, and imperial authority. The reverse shifts to a pastoral scene of a farmer and water buffalo, reflecting the agricultural heart of the nation. Together, these images embody both cultural heritage and the everyday life of mid‑20th‑century Vietnam.
Design Highlights
Obverse
Phoenix at center and dragon at right, symbolizing balance, nobility, and traditional Vietnamese mythology
Emerald green and orange print with black serial numbers
Serial number split across both lower corners, with the numeric portion repeated at upper left
Ornate guilloche patterns and denomination rosettes
Official signatures: Tổng‑Kiểm‑Tra (Chief Inspector) and Thủ‑Quỹ Trung Ương (Central Cashier)
Text:
NGÂN‑HÀNG QUỐC‑GIA VIỆT‑NAM — National Bank of Vietnam
NĂM ĐỒNG — Five Đồng
Legal warning against counterfeiting
Reverse
Farmer working with water buffalo, representing rural life and the agricultural foundation of the South
Matching emerald‑green and orange colour palette
Decorative guilloche and denomination rosettes
Text: NGÂN‑HÀNG QUỐC‑GIA VIỆT‑NAM – NĂM ĐỒNG
Watermark
Tiger’s head, a distinctive and desirable security feature
Printer
De La Rue, London — renowned for high‑quality engraving and early South Vietnamese banknote production
Specifications
Attribute Details
Country South Vietnam
Issuing Bank National Bank of Vietnam
Ruling Authority Bảo Đại (1949–1955)
Type Standard circulation banknote
Year 1955
Value 5 Đồng
Currency Southern đồng (1953–1975)
Composition Paper
Size 134 × 84 mm
Shape Rectangular
Demonetized Yes
Reference P‑2
Watermark Tiger’s head
Printer De La Rue, London
Why Add This Note to Your Collection?
The 1955 5 Đồng P‑2 is ideal for:
Collectors of early South Vietnam / State of Vietnam currency
Fans of dragon and phoenix iconography
Enthusiasts of De La Rue‑engraved notes
Curators of mythology‑themed banknotes
Anyone building a complete 1955 transitional series
Its combination of mythical symbolism, agricultural imagery, and early‑era historical significance makes it one of the most visually appealing notes of the period.
