1 Kip #297

Front

Erawan, the three-headed white elephant from Hindu-Buddhist mythology, which serves as the royal symbol of Laos and appears on the national coat of arms. The elephant is depicted with elaborate decorative elements including a multi-tiered parasol (royal umbrella) above, symbolizing sovereignty and protection. Erawan represents power, wisdom, and the divine right of kingship in Lao culture, and was the central emblem of the Kingdom of Laos during the period this note was issued.

Back

Erawan (three-headed elephant) centered within an oval medallion, surmounted by a tiered parasol and flanked by ornate decorative scrollwork. The elephant symbol reinforces the royal authority and Buddhist-Hindu cultural heritage of Laos. The inscription 'LE CONTREFACTEUR SERA PUNI CONFORMÉMENT À LA LOI' (The counterfeiter will be punished in accordance with the law) appears at the bottom.

History

This note belongs to the first Kip series issued by the Banque Nationale du Laos following independence from France. The Royal Kip was introduced in 1952 to replace the French Indochinese piastre, establishing monetary sovereignty for the newly independent Kingdom of Laos. This 1 Kip denomination features bilingual text in Lao and French, reflecting the transitional period from French colonial rule. The series was demonetized in 1963 when the second Kip series was introduced amid economic and political instability during the early years of the Laotian Civil War.