1972 Cambodia 1 Riel Banknote – P‑4c
A Late‑Khmer Republic Issue Featuring Classical Khmer Imagery & Pre‑War Design
The 1972 Cambodia 1 Riel banknote (Pick 4c) comes from the final years of the Khmer Republic (1970–1975), issued under the government of Lon Nol before the fall of Phnom Penh. This series is admired for its elegant engraving, traditional Khmer motifs, and its poignant place in Cambodian history — representing the last stable currency before the Khmer Rouge era.
The P‑4c subtype is identified by its 1972 date and the signature variety used during the later printings of the series. As one of the last low‑denomination notes of the Khmer Republic, it is widely collected for both its design and its historical significance.
Key Features & Catalogue Details
Attribute Details
Country Cambodia (Khmer Republic)
Issuer National Bank of Cambodia
Denomination 1 Riel
Year of Issue 1972
Pick Number P‑4c
Series 1970–1975 Issue
Material Paper
Dimensions Small-format low denomination
Watermark None (typical for low-value notes)
Printer Security printer contracted by the Khmer Republic
Theme Khmer architecture & national symbolism
Design Overview
Obverse – Classical Khmer Motifs
Features traditional Khmer ornamental patterns and geometric borders.
Central vignette typically includes Khmer architectural elements or symbolic designs used throughout the early‑1970s series.
Text appears in Khmer script, with “République Khmère” printed in French — a legacy of earlier Indochinese influence.
Printed in green and multicolour, giving the note a crisp, clean appearance.
This side reflects the artistic identity of the Khmer Republic before the country’s dramatic political upheaval.
Reverse – Khmer Temple Imagery
Displays Khmer temple architecture, often inspired by Angkor‑era design.
Symmetrical layout with ornate borders and traditional motifs.
Clean, balanced composition typical of Cambodian notes from the early 1970s.
The reverse highlights Cambodia’s deep cultural heritage and its connection to the Angkor civilisation.
Historical Context
The 1972 1 Riel note was issued during a turbulent period marked by:
The Cambodian Civil War
The decline of the Khmer Republic
Increasing economic instability
Despite the unrest, the currency maintained a refined, traditional design. By 1975, the Khmer Rouge abolished money entirely, making these late‑Republic notes the final circulating currency before one of the most radical monetary resets in modern history.
Collectors value the P‑4c because it represents:
The last era of pre‑Khmer Rouge Cambodian currency
A beautifully engraved, traditional Khmer design
A historically pivotal moment in Southeast Asian history
An affordable entry into Cambodian numismatics
