This small Laotian banknote represents the 1st denomination of the Pathet Lao "Liberation" Kip (Series 1968). The “Liberation” Kip were printed as aid, from the People's Republic of China. They used to replaced the Royal Kip, in areas under Pathet Lao control. The exchange rate was 20 “Liberation” Kip to 1 Royal Kip.
The “Liberation” Kip was briefly the currency of Laos. After the Kingdom of Laos was defeated by the Pathet Lao, in 1975. The “Liberation” Kip was replaced by the Lao PDR Kip, at a rate of 100:1. The PDR Kip has since remained the currency of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
Observe
The observe features an illustration of farm workers using a new grain thresher. This process removes the husk and bran, creating white rice. Which could be traded at a higher value, than common brown rice. While freeing more workers from the labor intensive process of threshing by hand. Small 1-2 hectare (2.5-4.9 acre) rice farms are common even in modern times (2022).
All text is printed Lao script, although with standard numerals. The header reads "ປະເທດລາວ", translated as the "Pathet Lao". At the lower left and right are the note's dual serial numbers. Both of these serial numbers read "EV 030455". Between there serial numbers is the text "ໜຶ່ງກີບ", translated as "One Kip".
In regards to the observe frame, it resembles traditional stonework. A pair of decorative backings can be seen along the the upper corners. They feature number "1"s, representing the note's 1 Kip value.
Reverse
The reverse depicts nurses attending babies and preparing prescriptions, at a pediatrician clinic. Despite efforts to improved education and train more healthcare workers, since 1975. Most treatment is limited in the Laotian capital, Vientiane. As the outlaying providences lack the infrastructure, needed to provide proper care. Thus doctors and nurses are often pooled in the most developed areas.
The reverse text is fairly simple, yet is surrounded by decorative embellishments. The header reads "ຄະນະກາມະການສນກາງແນວລາວຮກຊາດ", translated as the "Lao National Front Central Committee". There is a number "1s" on the lower-left corner and center-right, representing the note's 1 Kip value. At the lower-center is additional Lao text, it translates to "One Kip".
The reverse border resembles traditional stone work, featuring abstract floral patterns. Notably as the border is printed towards the note's center. It simplifies viewing the full surface watermark.
Pathet Lao Kip Gallery
(Gallery will updated as additional banknotes are databased)
Additional Notes
The note's dimensions are 120 x 60 mm or 4.72 x 2.36 in, smaller than a US Dollar.
The preferable method to preserve this note are side-opening protective sleeves, cut to size.
The “Liberation” Kip ISO code was LAK, it uses ₭ and ₭N as it's symbols.
The “Liberation” Kip was subdivide into 100 Att, although it lacked coins in that value.