On October 16, 2024, the National Bank of Cambodia introduced a commemorative Cambodia 200000 Riels banknote to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the coronation of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, the King of the Kingdom of Cambodia. This will make it the largest denomination currently in circulation, surpassing the 100,000 Riels banknote released in 2022. Before we present the latest commemorative banknote, lets review some other commemorative banknotes.
The National Bank of Cambodia is no stranger to commemorative banknotes, in recent years they have been very active. One recent commemorative release is the Cambodia 30,000 Riels, 2021. It was issued by the National Bank of Cambodia in 2021 to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Paris Peace Agreement. Its obverse features King Father Norodom Sihanouk during the Paris peace agreements speech on October 23, 1991. The note’s reverse features King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Samdac Techo Hun Sen, the Royal palace throne room, the Eiffel Tower (Paris), and the Independence from France (Victory) monument.
The largest denomination banknote recently released was the Cambodia 100,000 Riels, 2012. It commemorates King Norodom Sihamonis 60th birthday. Its obverse displays the Coat of Arms of Cambodia and a mythical serpent called Naga. King Norodom Sihamonis parents, Queen Norodom Monineath and King Norodom Sihanouk, are also on the banknotes obverse. The reverse illustrates King Norodom Sihanouk, King Norodom Sihamoni, and Queen Norodom Monineath. Additionally, a bas relief is visible on the right side.
The Cambodia 200000 Riels banknote is colored in brown, orange and pink. On the obverse side are portraits of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, King of the Kingdom of Cambodia, along with the Queen Mother. In the upper right hand corner is an image of the royal coat of arms. In the background is an image of naga head statues at the Banteay Samre temple in Siem Reap.
On the reverse side is an image of King Norodom Sihamoni in uniform signing a document. In addition on the right side of the banknote is a picture of the Brahma Bayon temple in Siem Reap. There is also text that translates to Congratulations on the 20th Anniversary of the Coronation of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath NORODOM SIHAMONY (29 October 2004 – 29 October 2024).
Sources:
[1] https://www.nbc.gov.kh/english/about_the_bank/banknotes_in_circulation.php
