This small Laotian banknote represents the 5th denomination of the Lao PDR Kip (Series 1979). The PDR Kip was introduced on16 December 1979. As a replacement for the Pathet Lao “Liberation” Kip, which replaced the Royal Kip, in areas under Pathet Lao control (1976-1979). At a exchange rate of 20 “Liberation” Kip to 1 Royal Kip. While the “Liberation” Kip was replaced at a rate of 100:1.
Unlike the previous banknotes of Royal Kip, PDR Kip features only Lao script. As the Pathet Lao saw the French language as a symbol of colonialism. All banknotes of the Series 1979 were retired in 2003. As inflation had caused their value to become impractically low.
Observe
The observe features group of farmer planting and plowing a rice field, with water buffalos. The Asian Water Buffalo is economically and culturally significant in Southeast Asia. Particularly amongst rural farmers, often forming their most prized procession. Providing their owners with a source of heavy labor, fuel, and renewable food.
As beforementioned all text is printed Lao script, although with standard numerals. The header reads "ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ", translated as the "Lao People's Democratic Republic". At the lower right is the note's serial number, it reads "AQ 4328542".
To the left of the note's illustration is the National Emblem of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. This version of the National Emblem replaced the previous Kingdom of Laos Coat of Arms. It remained in use from 1975-1991, becoming revised after the Fall of the Soviet Union. A large beige flower outline can be faintly seen, printed on the note's surface.
In regards to the observe frame, it resembles traditional stonework. A pair of diamonds can be seen along the sides. They feature number "50"s, representing the note's 50 Kip value.
Reverse
The reverse depicts Nam Ngum hydroelectric dam, on the Nam Ngum River. A major tributary of the larger Mekong River. Nam Ngum Dam was first hydroelectric dam built during post-monarchy era. The dam was built in 3 phases from 1968-1984, helping Laos to generate power, while providing flood protection.
The reverse text is fairly simple, yet is surrounded by decorative embellishments. The header reads "ທະນາຄານແຫ່ງ", translated as the "Bank of Laos". There are number "50s" on the lower-right and left, representing the note's 50 Kipvalue. The footer below reads "Fifty Kip" in Laotian.
The reverse border resembles traditional stone work, featuring floral patterns. Notably as the border is printed towards the note's center. It simplifies viewing the full surface watermark. Which features a repeating "Hammer and Sickle" pattern, when back lit.
Lao PDR Kip Gallery
(Gallery contains all banknotes of the 1979 Series)
Additional Notes
The note's dimensions are 130 x 65 mm or 5.12 x 2.56 in, smaller than a US Dollar.
The preferable method to preserve this note are side-opening protective sleeves, cut to size.
The Lao PDR Kip ISO code was LAK, it uses ₭ and ₭N as it's symbols.
The Kip is subdivide into 100 Att, although inflation has made it's use virtually non-existent.
Similar to the Uzbek Som, the Kip retires and adds denominations based on inflation.
The lowest commonly accepted denomination is the 500 Kip banknote.