The Vietnam 100 Đồng 2016 Commemorative Banknote

The Vietnam 100 Đồng 2016 Commemorative Banknote was issued by the State Bank of Vietnam (Ngân hàng Nhà nước Việt Nam – SBV) to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the National Bank of Vietnam (1951-2016). This banknote is a souvenir (tiền lưu niệm) and was not intended for circulation, making it a valuable collector’s item.

With an exquisite design and advanced security features, this commemorative banknote pays tribute to the founding of the State Bank of Vietnam, recognizing its role in the nation’s financial and economic development.

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Overview of the Front and Back of the Note

The design of this 100 Đồng Commemorative Note reflects Vietnam’s rich history, national pride, and economic growth.

• Front (Obverse):

  • Features a portrait of Hồ Chí Minh, the father of modern Vietnam.
  • Includes the commemorative “65 Years” emblem (1951-2016).
  • Displays the denomination “100” in the lower right.
  • Contains the signature of Nguyễn Văn Bình, the then-Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam.

• Back (Reverse):

  • Showcases the State Bank of Vietnam headquarters in Hanoi, symbolizing the country’s economic governance and financial stability.
  • Features decorative motifs inspired by Vietnamese culture.
  • The denomination “100” is prominently displayed in both the top left and bottom right corners.

Since this is a commemorative note, it does not have monetary value in transactions but serves as a commemorative piece.

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Design Elements

The 2016 Vietnam 100 Đồng Commemorative Note integrates traditional and modern aesthetics, making it visually appealing and historically significant.

Obverse (Front) Design:

• Portrait of Hồ Chí Minh (Bác Hồ)
  • The central feature is a detailed and finely printed portrait of Hồ Chí Minh, symbolizing leadership and national unity.
  • His image is widely used in Vietnamese currency, reinforcing his lasting influence.
• “65th Anniversary” Logo (1951-2016)
  • This emblem marks the founding of the State Bank of Vietnam.
  • Positioned on the right, it adds a commemorative touch.
• Serial Number
  • Located on the left and right sides.
• Text Elements:
  • “NGÂN HÀNG NHÀ NƯỚC VIỆT NAM” (State Bank of Vietnam) is written at the top.
  • “MỘT TRĂM ĐỒNG” (One Hundred Đồng) appears prominently.
  • The Governor’s signature is printed below the emblem.

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Reverse (Back) Design:

• State Bank of Vietnam Headquarters (Hà Nội)
  • The main feature on the back is a detailed architectural rendering of the SBV headquarters.
  • The building represents economic governance and financial strength.
• Decorative Elements:
  • Traditional Vietnamese motifs surround the structure.
  • The design includes stylized birds and floral patterns, symbolizing prosperity.
• Text Elements:
  • “NGÂN HÀNG NHÀ NƯỚC VIỆT NAM” appears at the top.
  • “TIỀN LƯU NIỆM” (Souvenir Money) is printed to indicate its commemorative nature.
  • The denomination “100” is displayed in two corners.

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Color Scheme

The Vietnam 100 Đồng 2016 Commemorative Note features a warm and patriotic red and gold color palette, which is commonly associated with Vietnamese identity.

• Primary Colors:
  • Red and pink hues dominate the note, reflecting Vietnam’s national colors.
• Secondary Accents:
  • Gold elements highlight key design features, including Hồ Chí Minh’s portrait and the State Bank headquarters.
• Contrast & Clarity:
  • The intricate patterns and security features are well-balanced against the lighter background, ensuring readability.

This vibrant color scheme enhances both aesthetic appeal and authenticity, making it a collector’s favorite.

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Dimensions

The width and length of the banknote are approximately:

• Width: 144 mm
• Length: 65 mm

This size is standard for Vietnamese commemorative notes, ensuring ease of storage and preservation.

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Security Features

Although this note is a souvenir issue, it still incorporates advanced security measures to prevent counterfeiting and enhance collectibility.

Key Security Features:

1. Watermark:
   • A watermark of Hồ Chí Minh is embedded, visible when held up to the light.
2. Security Thread:
   • A vertical security thread with microtext runs along the left side.
3. Holographic Strip:
   • A blue security strip with repeating motifs enhances protection.
4. UV (Ultraviolet) Features:
   • Hidden patterns and text appear when exposed to UV light.
5. Microprinting:
   • Tiny, detailed text elements are included in the intricate designs.
6. Raised Ink (Intaglio Printing):
   • Certain text and design elements are embossed, making them detectable by touch.
7. Latent Image:
   • A hidden “100” appears when the note is tilted at certain angles.

These features not only prevent counterfeiting but also increase the aesthetic and collectible value of the banknote.

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Circulation and Collectibility

Circulation Status:

• Not for general circulation (Souvenir only).
• The banknote does not hold any transactional value.
• Issued exclusively for collectors and commemorative purposes.

Collectibility & Value:

• Issued in limited quantities, making it a rare and valuable item.
• Highly sought after by numismatists, historians, and collectors of Vietnamese currency.
• Factors affecting market value:
  • Condition: Uncirculated (UNC) notes are the most valuable.
  • Serial number: Unique or low numbers increase worth.
  • Packaging: Some were issued in official folders, adding value.

Given its historical significance and attractive design, the note is expected to appreciate over time, making it a worthy addition to any collection.