Vietnamese banknotes: Breaking into Independence

From the colonial era to independence, economic reforms to modernization, Vietnamese banknotes serve as a tangible chronicle of the nation's evolution. Each bill tells a story, connecting together elements of tradition, innovation, and national identity. This collection is a journey of the history and cultural heritage of Vietnam through its banknotes from 1885 to 1985, exploring rich symbolism and historical significance embedded within the design of Vietnamese banknotes—depictions of iconic landmarks and national heroes that symbolize the nation's resilience and aspirations.

This collection will be walking through six different banknotes that connect into a full story of Vietnam, not only highlighting the evolution of currency, but also the broader cultural tapestry. From being under the colonization of France, the legendary August Revolution, to the independence of South Vietnam, periods of economic reforms to the rapid pace of modernization, and to the establishment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Design aspects such as composition, color, size, patterns, illustrations of some of these pieces can be influenced by French art movements such as Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, etc.

Through careful curation, the collection emphasizes Vietnamese banknotes not only as instruments of financial exchange, but as utterly profound reflections of the soul of a nation. They are windows into the collective consciousness, illuminating the essence of Vietnamese identity across eras of change and continuity.