First riel (1953-1975)
The first Cambodian riel was issued from 1953 to May 1975.
History and Origins
- Independence & Introduction: The first riel was introduced after Cambodia gained independence from France, replacing the French Indochinese piastre de commerce.
- Transition from Piastre: Initially, notes were dual-denominated in piastres and riels at par value through the Institut d'Émission des États du Cambodge, du Laos et du Vietnam before the National Bank of Cambodia (established in 1954) began full independent issuance.
- Design: Banknotes typically featured Cambodian culture, landmarks like Angkor Wat, and royal portraits. [1]
- End of the First Riel: The currency remained in circulation through the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Khmer Republic era, but it was completely abolished in May 1975 when the Khmer Rouge seized power and discarded the nation's monetary system.