The National Bank of Cambodia issued a 30,000 Riels commemorative banknote
In 2021, the National Bank of Cambodia issued a 30,000 Riels commemorative banknote to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Paris Peace Accords (1991-2021). The Paris Peace Accords, signed on October 23, 1991, marked a historic moment in Cambodia’s history, bringing an end to decades of civil war and conflict, restoring peace, and laying the foundation for national reconstruction.
This special-edition banknote honors the leaders who played key roles in the peace process, as well as Cambodia’s progress and diplomatic achievements over the past three decades. It is a limited-edition note and not part of regular circulation, making it an important collector’s item.
Overview of the Front and Back Note
The obverse (front) side of the banknote features a portrait of King Norodom Sihanouk (1922-2012), the revered former monarch who played a crucial role in Cambodia’s post-war recovery and peace negotiations. He is shown raising his hand in a symbolic gesture of leadership and unity. Traditional Khmer decorative patterns and floral elements frame the background, adding an artistic touch.
The reverse (back) side portrays an iconic scene of King Norodom Sihanouk and Prime Minister Hun Sen joyfully greeting the people, symbolizing the end of conflict and the beginning of peace. The design also includes the Paris Peace Accords Conference (1991), the Eiffel Tower, representing the location of the signing, and a Khmer temple, signifying Cambodia’s cultural heritage and national identity.
Design Features
Obverse (Front)
- Portrait of King Norodom Sihanouk – Honoring his leadership in achieving peace for Cambodia.
- Traditional Khmer Decorative Elements – Intricate patterns inspired by Angkorian art and temple motifs.
- Denomination “30,000” – Displayed in Khmer script and Arabic numerals.
- Signature of the Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia – Authenticating the issuance.
- Security Thread & Holographic Features – Enhancing durability and protection against counterfeiting.
Reverse (Back)
- King Norodom Sihanouk & Prime Minister Hun Sen – A historic depiction of Cambodian leaders celebrating the return of peace.
- Conference de Paris sur le Cambodge (Paris Peace Accords Conference, 1991) – A tribute to the event that restored Cambodia’s sovereignty.
- Eiffel Tower – Symbolizing France’s role in hosting the peace negotiations.
- Traditional Khmer Temple – Representing Cambodia’s resilience, cultural heritage, and national pride.
- Denomination “30,000” – Printed in multiple locations for clarity.
Color Scheme
- The front side features shades of deep purple, blue, and silver, signifying royalty, diplomacy, and peace.
- The back side continues with a rich blue and violet theme, blending modern elements with Cambodia’s historic and cultural identity.
This harmonious color palette enhances the visual appeal and historical significance of the banknote.
Dimensions
- Width: 170 mm
- Length: 78 mm
The large size of this note makes it unique, distinguishing it from standard Cambodian currency and reinforcing its special commemorative status.
Security Features
The 2021 “30th Anniversary of Paris Peace Accords” 30,000 Riels Commemorative Banknote integrates state-of-the-art security elements, ensuring authenticity and durability:
- Watermark – A hidden image of King Norodom Sihanouk, visible when held against light.
- Security Thread – A metallic strip embedded within the banknote.
- Holographic Strip – Reflective elements shimmer at different angles, making counterfeiting difficult.
- Microprinting – Tiny Khmer text that can only be seen under magnification.
- Raised Printing – Certain areas, such as the portraits and denomination, have a tactile texture.
- UV Features – Special details glow under ultraviolet light, aiding in verification.
- Color-Shifting Ink – Some design elements change shades when tilted, enhancing security.
These security features make the banknote highly resistant to forgery and ensure its long-term preservation.
Circulation and Collectibility
- This 30,000 Riels commemorative banknote was issued in limited numbers, making it highly valuable among collectors.
- It is legal tender, but due to its high denomination and special commemorative nature, it is rarely used in daily transactions.
- The historical significance of honoring Cambodia’s peace process, combined with the cultural and political importance of its design, makes it an essential item for numismatists.
- Over time, as these notes become rarer in circulation, their market value is expected to increase, making them a worthwhile investment for collectors.