This Cambodian banknote represents the 3rd denomination of the First Riel (Second Issue, 1956). The First Rial was the currency of (early) post-colonial Cambodia. It replaced the French Indochinese Piastre, at par (1:1) in 1953. The Riel was initially divided into 100 Centimes, in 1959 the Centime was renamed to Sen.
The 50 Riel was first issued in 1956 and were withdrawn in 1974. They were to be replaced by the Democratic Kampuchea Riel (Series 1975). Which themselves were withdrawn and destroyed, due to the Khmer Rouge abolishing the concept of currency. As being a vestige of capitalism and thus were outlawed. The Riel was reintroduced on 1 April 1980, after the Vietnamese counter-invasion of Cambodia, in 1978.
Observe
The observe is highly ornate, blending both European and Khmer art styles. The centerpiece depicts traditional fisherman casting nets, at Lake Tonle Sap. The art style is inspired by French impressionism, sharing similarities to Monet's “Impression, soleil levant” (Impression, Sunrise).
Although instead relying on a simple gray-black, white, yellow-tan color palette. With white representing the clouds, fog, and water's glare. Which help to accent the gray-blacks of the fishermen, their boats and nets. In addition to represents the lake's ripples and the distant shoreline.
This scene is surrounded by an ornate frame, emulating the appearance of stone pillars. Blending European floral patterns with the bold serpentine patterns seen in Khmer architecture and stone work. Cambodia's unique stone work can be primary seen in the nation's elaborate temples. Whose style heavily draw inspiration from the great rock-cut temple of India.
At the note's center is a large guilloché pattern. Such ornate patterns are created using a geometric lathe, also occasionally known as a guilloché lathe. The practice of printing guilloché patterns began in early 19th Europe. As a means of countering forgery of stamps and banknotes.
The observe's text is printed entirely in Khmer script, a local evolution of South Indian Pallava script. It's “50” Riel value is printed 4 times in Khmer numerals, expressed as “៥០". Twice along the observe's upper corners and twice more on the lower frame.
Additional Khmer script is printed on several areas on the observe. At the note's center is the text ហាសិបរៀល, or "Fifty Rials", on the center engraving. Above is the text "ធនាគារជាតិនៃកម្ពុជា, or the "National Bank of Cambodia".
The Great Lake Of Indochina
Lake Tonlé Sap, commonly translated as the “Great Lake”, is the largest fresh water lake, in Indochina. Tonlé Sap is a natural wonder, forming important link in the region's biodiversity and human history. It rests at the center of the 12,876 sq km (4,971 sq mi) Cambodian floodplain.
The lake's size waxes and wanes considerably throughout it's yearly cycle. Ranging from an area of 2,500 sq km (965 sq mi) during the late-April dry season. And reaching a maximum of 16,000 sq km (6,178 sq mi), during the September and early-October monsoon season. Which causes the overfilled lake to empty into the Mekong River, via the Tonlé Sap River. Carrying with it precious sediment, used to fertilize farmland downstream.
This reliable water cycle has been exploited, since at least the time of the Ancient Khmer. The seasonal emptying of lake continues to be celebrated, during Water and Moon Festival. Which receives its name by the festival beginning on the last day of a full moon. The three day festival marks the beginning of the fishing season. Currently 1.2 million people rely on Tonle Sap's fisheries, including many ethnic Vietnamese and Cham villagers.
Reverse
The reverse is fairly simple relative to the observe. It's center prominently depicts Ankor Wat, the world largest temple complex. Above and below the artwork is bilingual text, printed both in French and Khmer. The upper text translates to “National Bank of Cambodia”. While the lower text states the note's value, “Fifty Riels”. The First Riel was the last Cambodian currency to feature French text.
The note's 50 Riel value is repeated in both standard numerals (left) and Khmer numerals (right), on the reverse's lower corners. On the center-right is a watermark area, depicting Buddha. This example's watermark is particularly noticeable and is partially legible under regular surface lighting. Rather then requiring back lighting to distinguish its artwork.
Ultraviolet Gallery
Second Issue Riel Gallery
(Gallery will be completed as additional banknotes are databased)
Additional Notes
This note's dimensions are 162 x 74 mm or 6.38 x 2.91 in), making it a relatively large.
It's advisable to use large protective sleeves, when preserving this note.
Tonlé Sap is home to at least 149 species of fish, including the legendary Mekong Catfish.
The endangered Mekong Giant Catfish can reach a length of 2.7 m (8 ft 10 in) and weigh up to 293 kg (646 lbs).
The largest unconfirmed Mekong Catfish was claimed to be 3 m (9.8 ft) long.
In 1997, Tonlé Sap was successfully nominated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Since 2001, the Tonlé Sap Biosphere Reserve has been enforced by Royal Decreed.
Efforts have been made to protect the remaining population of endangered Siamese crocodile and Mekong Giant Catfish.
Both the Siamese crocodile and Mekong Giant Catfish play significant roles in Indochina's cultural history.