1966 South Vietnam 500 Đồng – Trần Hưng Đạo & the Maritime Spirit of a Nation
Pick# 23 | Printed by De La Rue, London
Issued during a turbulent yet defining period in South Vietnam’s history, the 1966 500 Đồng banknote reflects the nation’s deep reverence for its heroic past and its enduring connection to the sea. This note pays tribute to Trần Hưng Đạo, one of Vietnam’s greatest military leaders, whose victories against the Mongol invasions remain legendary.
Printed by the renowned De La Rue in London, the note combines refined Western engraving techniques with distinctly Vietnamese cultural themes. Its maritime reverse design evokes the lifeblood of Vietnam’s coastal identity, while the obverse honours a national icon whose legacy symbolizes resilience and unity.
Design Highlights
Obverse
Portrait of Trần Hưng Đạo (1231–1300) at left — royal prince, strategist, and commander whose victories over Kublai Khan’s Yuan dynasty shaped Vietnamese national pride
Bold denomination “500” and NĂM TRĂM DỒNG in Latin script
Official signatures: Controller General and Director of the Department of Issuance
Text: NGÂN-HÀNG QUỐC-GIA VIỆT-NAM (National Bank of Vietnam)
Printed in crisp, detailed linework characteristic of De La Rue’s mid‑20th‑century craftsmanship
Reverse
Vietnamese junk boats sailing across a bay, capturing the maritime heritage and tradition Denomination repeated prominently
Legal warning against counterfeiting: “Criminal law sentences one to penal labour for counterfeiting paper money issued by the National Bank of Vietnam.”
Clean, balanced layout emphasizing movement and national identity
Watermark
“500 Đồng” watermark visible on the obverse — a security feature typical of De La Rue’s production standards
Specifications
Attribute Details
Country South Vietnam
Ruling Authority Military Revolutionary Council (1963–1967)
Type Standard circulation banknote
Year 1966
Value 500 Đồng
Currency Southern đồng (1953–1975)
Composition Paper
Size 150 × 74 mm
Shape Rectangular
Demonetized Yes
Reference P# 23
Printer De La Rue, London
Why Add This Note to Your Collection?
The 1966 500 Đồng is ideal for:
Collectors of Vietnam War–era currency
Enthusiasts of military history and national heroes
Admirers of De La Rue–engraved banknotes
Curators of Southeast Asian monetary history
Collectors seeking notes featuring maritime themes
With its heroic portrait, elegant engraving, and evocative maritime reverse, this note captures a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s story — blending national pride, artistry, and historical depth.
