Catalog
500 Đồng
| Issuer | State Bank of Vietnam |
|---|---|
| Year | 1989 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Shape | Rectangular |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | The central vignette presents a quayside scene at Hải Phòng port, with fishing trawlers being unloaded at the dockside. A stylised lotus motif forms the ornamental border framing the composition. Denomination numerals and the issuing bank title in Vietnamese script are rendered in the surrounding lettering. |
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| Protection type | Log in to see details |
| Protection description | Flower pattern watermark visible across the banknote paper |
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| Comments |
Vietnam's 1989 banknote series was issued during the aftermath of Đổi Mới, the sweeping economic reforms adopted in 1986 that dismantled central planning and opened the country to market mechanisms. Inflation through the late 1980s was savage — running above 300% annually at its peak — and high-denomination notes like this 500 Đồng were being rendered nearly worthless within months of printing.
By 1990–91, redenomination pressure was mounting, and this series was retired relatively quickly. Circulated survivors tend to show heavy handling; the paper stock used across this period was not robust.