This South Vietnamese banknote represents the 4th denomination of the final “Southern Dồng” Series (1972). The 1972 Series Dồng served as the final currency of the Republic of (South) Vietnam. The reverse art of this banknote series, features detailed illustrations of South Vietnam's wildlife. The note's were produced by world renown British printer, De La Rue London.
The “Southern Dồng” was replaced by the Việt Cộng issued "Southern Liberation" Dồng, in 1975. These transitional notes were issued during the closing phase of the Vietnam War (1973-1975). The “Southern Liberation" was the de-facto currency of South Vietnam. Until the merging of both North and South Vietnamese currencies, in 1978. (This note will be reviewed reverse first)
Reverse
The reverse features a beautiful illustration (main art) of an endangered Indochinese Tiger. To the right the tiger, is the note's watermark area. Small vertical lines can seen extending from the watermark area toward the background of the main art. These lines seamlessly transition from light orange to a "sand" color shade. Further right is the negative, for multicolor light puzzle/registration element.
It appears the peanut-shaped main art area is part of the note blank. This hypnosis is supported is supported by the fact all denomination of the 1972 Series are color coded. In addition to being color coded, all denomination feature a unique underprint. This particular denomination features tiger outlines, refencing the main art. Color coding and stylized underprints were a hallmark of De La Rue notes of the period.
There is Vietnamese text above and to the lower right, of the main art. The header translates to the "State Bank of Vietnam". While the subtext below threaten counterfeiters with "penal servitude", for copying and distributing counterfeit banknotes. The lower right text translates to "Five Hundred Dồng". As supported by the "500" located on the lower left and upper right.
The upper right "500" integrates into a unique guilloché frame. Featuring rows of braided, swirling and folding lines. The left-side pattern begins in a stylized "moon and star" pattern. Features rows of lines flowing downward. Transitioning to a braided pattern, which under-sweeps the lower left "500". This braided pattern ends in "bamboo leaves", matching those of the main art background.
Full Translation
State Bank of Vietnam
Penal servitude for people who counterfeit banknotes, from the distributions of the State Bank of Vietnam.
Five Hundred Dồng
Observe
The observe depicts the Palace of Independence, the residence of the President of South Vietnam. The site serves as a landmark for the end of the Vietnam War (1955-1975). After a North Vietnamese Army (NVA) tank crash though the main gate, on the 30 April 1975.
The text resembles that of the reverse, featuring "State Bank of Vietnam" and "Five Hundred Dồng". To the left of the "Palace of Independence" is the watermark area. Further left is the positive for the before mentioned light puzzle/registration element. There's an additional registration element below the "Palace of Independence". Although there's no negative element on the reverse.
Similar to the reverse is braided pattern, located on the far right. There are 2 "500s", resembling those of the reverse lower-left. Each of the braided pattern ends in a row of lines, arranged in a spiral. This is in contrast to the far left, which features a ornate frame and a bold "500". The frame is design is based on traditional stone work. The observe's underprint appears to be inspired by stone work.
Typical of De La Rue notes, the observe features dual serial numbers. These serial numbers are located above and to the lower left of the "Palace of Independence". Both serial numbers read "932026", although the upper number features the batch number (A3).
Watermark
The Tigers of Indochina
Historically the Indochinese Tiger ranged throughout the Indochina Peninsula. Extending north into China's southern Yunnan providence and west toward Bangladesh's Chittagong Hills. Placing them near the eastern range of their cousins the Bengal Tiger. Unfortunately modern Indochina Tigers populations are confined to Myanmar, Thailand and Laos. With no reliable documentation of wild tiger on Vietnam, since 1997.
The largest surviving tiger population, lives in Thailand. This population is estimated at between 189 to 252 individuals. The majority of which lives in the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. The Western Forest Complex, along the Thai-Burmese border. Providing the best zone for conservation, of existing wild populations.
In regards to appearance the Indochina Tiger is similar to the Bengal Tiger, widely known in popular culture. With the exception of a smaller size, shorter head and darker/narrower strips. Male tigers range from 255-285 cm (100-112 in) long and weigh between 150 to 195 kg (331 to 430 lb). In contrast to female tigers, which range from 230 to 255 cm (91 to 100 in) long and weigh between 100 to 130 kg (220 to 290 lb). Although are generally quite similar in appearance.
The Indochinese Tiger has a varied diet of prey, although has a preference larger prey. This includes Sambar (deer), Banteng (wild cow), Gaur (Indian Buffalo), and Serow (antelope goat). Although can (to a lesser extent) include Hog Badger, Muntjac (Barking Deer), and invasive wild boars. Notably adult male and female Gaur range from 588-1,500 kg (1,296-3,307 lb) and 440-1,000 kg (970-2,200 lb), respectively. Making such a hunt an impressive, yet very dangerous undertaking.
Notably conservation efforts have given a greater insight to Indochina Tiger behavior. GPS collars equipped by the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, between June 2005 and August 2011. Used to study the migratory habits of 4 males and 7 female tigers, living within the wildlife sanctuary. The study concluded male tigers have a significantly larger range, than females.
The 4 males in the study averaged a home range of 92.4 ± 267.6 km (35.7 ± 103.3 mi). In contrast to the 7 females, which averaged a home range of 33.2 ± 70.2 km (12.8 ± 27.1 mi). This drastic difference in range being attributed to different behavioral habits.
Female tigers concern themselves with acquiring enough prey, to fed themselves and young. In contrast to males which actively search for mates, on a seasonal basis. Regardless prey abundance plays a key role in home range size, in addition to tigers being territorial by nature.
The majority of tigers cubs are born between March and June, after 103 to 105 days. Litters range between 2 and 3 cubs, although on rare occasions can number 6. The litter is born in a shelter of tall grass and/or brush. Although caves and rocky cervices will also be used, when available.
Cubs weigh from 0.78 to 1.6 kg (1.72 to 3.53 lb), at birth. The cubs open their eyes from 6-14 days, and grow their milk teeth at 2 weeks. They begin to eat meat at 8 weeks, after which they are often moved into a new den. During this period the cubs will make short ventures, with their mother. Although do not join on territorial walks, until they're weaned.
At 5 to 6 months the cubs are weaned and begin joining the mother on territorial walks. During these ventures the cubs learn to hunt, by observing their mother. A dominant cub emergences most litters, this cub take lead in the litters' play. By 11 months the some of the cubs have learned to hunt. Becoming independent between 18-20 months, on average.
The cubs begin living on their own at 2.5 years old, although grow until age 5. Females tigers can mate at 3-4 years, while males mature later at 4-5 years. Generation of tigers are measured in spans of 8 years. The oldest recorded age for a tiger is age 26.
Ultraviolet Gallery
“Southern Dồng” (1972) Gallery
(Gallery features the complete“ Southern Dồng” Series 1972)
Additional Notes
The note's dimensions are 146 mm × 73 mm or 5.75 in × 2.87 in.
This banknote is wider and shorter, than a standard US Dollar (6.14 x 2.61 in)
It's highly recommended to use large protective sleeves, when preserving this note.
Standard size (top-opening) protective sleeves will leave a small area uncovered.
In November 1975, the "Palace of Independence" was renamed "Reunification Hall".
Although rare male tigers have been recorded raising their young.
In 2018, unidentified (possibly Indochina) tigers were photographed in southeastern Tibet.
In 2015, Indochina Tigers were first photographed in the Tenasserim Hills (Myanmar).
This article's Indochinese Tiger photo is provided by Wikimedia, support Copyleft License.
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