Notes Of The Pathet Lao, Aspiration For A Future: 20 Kip (Laos, 1968)-Article

This small Laotian banknote represents the 3rd 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 workers processing and distributing rice. Baskets of rice can seen being weighed, in the background. While in the foreground a new grain thresher can be seen being used. The thresher easily removes the husk and bran, creating white rice. Freeing more workers from the labor intensive process of threshing by hand.

All text is printed Lao script and numerals. The header reads "ປະ​ເທດ​ລາວ", translated as the "Pathet Lao". At the lower left and right are the note's dual serial numbers. Both of these serial numbers read "HP 362449". Between there serial numbers is the text "ຊາວກີບ", translated as "Twenty Kip".

In regards to the observe frame, it resembles traditional stonework. Decorative backings can be seen along the corners. They feature number "໒໐"s, representing the note's 20 Kip value.

Reverse

The reverse depicts a group of blacksmiths at work, in a rural forge. Similar to their National Liberation Front (Viet Cong) allies. The Pathet Lao employed rural forges as part of their war efforts. These forges were capable of producing tools, horseshoes for pack animals, and firearm parts. Occasionally crude firearms were also produced.

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 "10"s on the center-left, representing the note's 10 Kip value. At the lower-center is additional Lao text, it translates to "Twenty 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

1 Kip-Observe

1 Kip-Reverse

10 Kip-Observe

10 Kip-Reverse

20 Kip-Observe

20 Kip-Reverse

50 Kip-Observe

50 Kip-Reverse

100 Kip-Observe

100 Kip-Reverse

200 Kip-Observe

200 Kip-Reverse

500 Kip-Observe

500 Kip-Reverse

(Gallery will updated as additional banknotes are databased)

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Additional Notes

• The note's dimensions are 136 x 68 mm or 5.35 x 2.68 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.