This Cambodian banknote represents the 1st denomination of the Second Riel (Eighth Issue, Series 1987). The Eighth Issue was a brief two denomination sub-series. That features only variants of the Seventh Issue 5 and 10 Riels notes. To the best of our knowledge, the Eighth Issue was introduced as an anti-counterfeit measure.
These notes feature a slightly altered color schemes and updated print dates. Notably this note's original 1979 variant was colored dark red.
Observe
The observe features Khmer citizens of various trades, backed by factories. As a Marxism–Leninism, the People's Republic of Kampuchea's politics centered on labor solidarity. From left to right these figures are the intellectual, farmer, industrial worker, and the soldier. Thus representing all major aspects of the Khmer citizen-worker.
Returning to the observe, nearly all text is printed Khmer script and numerals. The header reads "សាធារណរដ្ឋប្រជាមានិតកម្ពុជា", translated as the "PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KAMPUCHEA". At the center right is additional text it reads, "ប្រាំរៀល" or "Five Riels". While the footer lists the note's "1987" print date.
To the upper-right of the note's illustration is the State Emblem of the People's Republic of Kampuchea. A short distance below this State Emblem, is the note's serial numbers. It reads "ងឃ 4361877", roughly translation to "NgKh 4361877". Notably the Khmer alphabet does not directly translate to Latin/standard script.
Moving toward the ornate border, we can see a style heavily based on Khmer stonework. Along the notes corners are Khmer numerals (๕), they simply reaffirm the note's "5" Riels value. Although the upper-left and lower-right corners add the text "ប្រាំរៀល" (Five Riels). Further reinforcing the note's already stated value.
Reverse
The reverse depicts the Independence Monument, in Phnom Pehn. This monument on the intersection of Norodom and Sihanouk Boulevard. The monument was built in 1958, to memorialize Cambodia's independence from France in 1953. It was designed by architect Vann Molyvann (1926-2017), under the instruction of former King Norodom Sihanouk (1922-2012).
Unlike the observe the reverse frame features both Khmer (๕) and standard numerals (5). The upper-corner lists the note's "5" Riels value numerically. While the lower-center Khmer script (ប្រាំរៀល), repeats the same value. The lower corners simply reinforce this value, although the lower-right is printed in standard script/numerals.
1987 Second Riel Gallery
(Gallery features complete Second Riel, Eighth Issue)
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 132 x 67 mm or 5.20 x 2.64 in, larger than a US Dollar.
The preferably method to preserve note are large side-opening sleeves, cut to size.
The Second Riel uses the ISO code is KHR and "៛" as its symbol.
The Second Riel was sub-divided into 10 Kak/100 Sen, before rising inflation made these denominations obsolete.
Since the 1990s the US Dollar has been used as an accepted currency, in Cambodian retail.