Vietnam - 1975 - 5,000 Dong - P35

Country / Region: Vietnam
Continent: Asia

Denomination: 5,000 Dong

Year: 1975
Grade: Uncirculated
Face Value (as at 2013.03.15): about USD0.24
Pick: 35
Dimension: 152 mm x 75 mm

Figure (Obverse): Reunification Palace, Ho Chi Minh City

Figure (Reverse): The Leopard

Helen's Score: 6.2/10 (apparently she’s not very fond of the fierce leopard… I personally give this one a 9 at least!)

Interesting Fact: This is it - the legendary “The Leopard” banknote from Vietnam! I’m thrilled to be able to finally add this fine gem (what’s more, in UNC) to collection. It seems that while The Leopard is really sought after, not many stories related to it are widely available on the Internet. Would really appreciate if anyone could point me to sources where I can learn more about its related history. From what I can find now (a nice single informative page here), the economy of South Vietnam made a turn for the worse and inflation soared in 1973-74. The government issued 5,000 and 10,000 dong banknotes despite public disapproval. Accordingly, they were only used 2 months before The Fall of Saigon. One can imagine that most of the printed banknotes were destroyed amidst the turmoil. However, a very few of these manage to survive, and have since become one of the most sought-after post-modern banknotes.