1970 South Vietnam 500 Đồng – National Bank Building & Classic Guilloche Engraving
Pick# 28 | Second Republic of Vietnam (1967–1976)
Issued during the early 1970s under the Second Republic of Vietnam, the 1970 500 Đồng (P‑28) is a refined mid‑denomination note that reflects the Republic’s emphasis on financial stability and institutional authority. Its design is formal, elegant, and unmistakably South Vietnamese, showcasing the architectural presence of the National Bank of Vietnam on the obverse and intricate guilloche artistry on the reverse.
With its clean engraving, balanced layout, and watermark of national hero Trần Hưng Đạo, this note remains a popular choice among collectors of Vietnam War–era currency. It represents a period of economic ambition and national identity during a time of intense political and military pressure.
Design Highlights
Obverse
National Bank building, symbolizing state authority, financial governance, and modern administration
Denomination: MỘT NGÀN ĐỒNG (Five Hundred Đồng)
Text in Latin script:
NGÂN‑HÀNG QUỐC‑GIA VIỆT‑NAM — National Bank of Vietnam
Clean, symmetrical layout with strong mid‑century engraving
Reverse
Decorative guilloche patterns, showcasing detailed linework and anti‑counterfeiting craftsmanship
Denomination repeated prominently
Text: NGÂN‑HÀNG QUỐC‑GIA VIỆT‑NAM – NĂM TRĂM ĐỒNG
Watermark
Trần Hưng Đạo, the revered 13th‑century military commander
Specifications
Attribute Details
Country South Vietnam
Period Second Republic (1967–1976)
Type Standard circulation banknote
Year 1970
Value 500 Đồng
Currency Southern đồng (1953–1975)
Composition Paper
Size 150 × 75 mm
Shape Rectangular
Demonetized Yes
Reference P‑28
Watermark Trần Hưng Đạo
Why Add This Note to Your Collection?
The 1970 500 Đồng P‑28 is ideal for:
Collectors of South Vietnam / Vietnam War–era currency
Fans of architectural‑themed banknotes
Enthusiasts of guilloche engraving and classic design
Curators of mid‑denomination Southern đồng notes
Anyone building a complete Second Republic series
Its formal, institutional design makes it a perfect companion to the 1000 Đồng P‑29 and other early‑1970s issues.
