1971 South Vietnam 1000 Đồng – National Bank Building & Classic Guilloche Design
Pick# 29 | Second Republic of Vietnam (1967–1976)
Issued during the early years of the Second Republic, the 1971 South Vietnam 1000 Đồng (P‑29) is a refined, architecturally themed high‑denomination note that reflects the Republic’s emphasis on financial stability and national identity. Unlike the later elephant‑themed 1972 issue, this earlier design is more formal and institutional, highlighting the authority of the National Bank of Vietnam.
The obverse features the National Bank building, a symbol of economic governance and modern state administration. The reverse showcases intricate guilloche patterns, a hallmark of mid‑20th‑century banknote engraving, emphasizing security, craftsmanship, and aesthetic precision.
With its clean layout, strong colours, and watermark of national hero Trần Hưng Đạo, the 1000 Đồng P‑29 remains a desirable piece for collectors of Vietnam War–era currency.
Design Highlights
Obverse
National Bank of Vietnam building, representing financial authority and state structure
Denomination: MỘT NGÀN ĐỒNG (One Thousand Đồng)
Text in Latin script:
NGÂN‑HÀNG QUỐC‑GIA VIỆT‑NAM — National Bank of Vietnam
Strong, formal engraving with a clean, symmetrical layout
Reverse
Decorative guilloche patterns, showcasing detailed linework and anti‑counterfeiting artistry
Denomination repeated prominently
Text: NGÂN‑HÀNG QUỐC‑GIA VIỆT‑NAM – MỘT NGÀN ĐỒNG
Watermark
Trần Hưng Đạo, one of Vietnam’s most revered military leaders
Specifications
Attribute Details
Country South Vietnam
Issuing Bank National Bank of Vietnam
Period Second Republic (1967–1976)
Type Standard circulation banknote
Year 1971
Value 1000 Đồng
Currency Southern đồng (1953–1975)
Composition Paper
Size 153 × 76 mm
Shape Rectangular
Demonetized Yes
Reference P‑29
Watermark Trần Hưng Đạo
Why Add This Note to Your Collection?
The 1971 1000 Đồng P‑29 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 high‑denomination Southern đồng notes
Anyone building a complete Second Republic series
Its formal, institutional design makes it a distinctive contrast to the more pictorial notes issued later in the 1970s.
