1962 Laos 1 Kip Banknote – P‑8a
A Classic Royal Lao Era Issue Featuring Mythological Imagery & Early Kip Design
The 1962 Laos 1 Kip banknote (Pick 8a) comes from the Royal Kingdom of Laos period, issued under King Savang Vatthana. According to Numista, this note circulated from 1962–1975 and forms part of the final pre‑revolutionary kip series. It was printed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., a respected British security printer known for high‑quality engraving.
This denomination represents the lowest value of the Royal Kip era and is widely collected for its elegant artwork, mythological symbolism, and its place in the final years before the Pathet Lao takeover in 1975.
Key Features & Catalogue Details
Attribute Details
Country Laos
Issuer Banque Nationale du Laos
Denomination 1 Kip
Year of Issue ND 1962
Pick Number P‑8a
Series 1962–1963 Issue
Printer Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. (UK)
Material Paper
Dimensions 100 × 60 mm
Watermark None (typical for low denominations)
Theme Royal Lao imagery & mythological symbolism
Design Overview
Obverse – Stylised Mythological Figure
Features a stylised figure at left, described in PMG’s price guide as a traditional Lao mythological form.
Printed in brown on a pink and blue underprint, giving the note a soft, pastel aesthetic typical of early‑1960s Southeast Asian design.
Includes French text: “BANQUE NATIONALE DU LAOS”, reflecting the lingering influence of French Indochina.
This side captures the artistic identity of the Royal Lao Government before the political upheavals of the 1970s.
Reverse – Tricephalic Elephant Emblem
Displays the three‑headed elephant (Erawan), a powerful symbol of the Lao monarchy and national unity.
Surrounded by ornate Lao decorative patterns and French inscriptions.
Clean, symmetrical layout that highlights the royal emblem.
The tricephalic elephant is one of the most iconic motifs in Lao numismatics, making this note especially desirable for thematic collectors.
Historical Context
The 1962 1 Kip note was issued during the final decades of the Royal Kingdom of Laos, a period marked by political tension, civil conflict, and increasing Cold War involvement. These notes remained in circulation until 1975, when the Pathet Lao abolished the monarchy and replaced the currency.
Collectors value the P‑8a because it represents:
The last era of Royal Lao banknotes
High‑quality British printing
Classic mythological and royal symbolism
A historically turbulent and transitional period
This makes it a key entry in any Southeast Asian or Indochina‑focused banknote collection.
