100 Riel #96

Front

Traditional Cambodian silk weaver at a loom, representing the country's important textile industry and artisan culture. The woman is depicted working with a traditional wooden floor loom, weaving silk fabric using techniques that have been practiced in Cambodia for centuries. This design celebrates the role of women in preserving traditional crafts and Cambodia's reputation for fine silk production.

Back

Bayon temple at Angkor Thom, the state temple of Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII, built in the late 12th century as the architectural centerpiece of his capital city. The temple is famous for its distinctive towers adorned with massive stone faces, with the central tower depicted prominently. Angkor Thom was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire, and Bayon represents the height of Khmer architectural achievement.

History

This note is from the State of Cambodia series issued by the Banque Nationale du Cambodge during the Khmer Republic period (1970–1975). The currency was demonetized when the Khmer Rouge took power in April 1975 and abolished money entirely, destroying the banking system and burning currency in the streets. The riel was not reintroduced until 1980 after the fall of the Khmer Rouge. These notes are historically significant as they represent the last currency of Cambodia before the genocidal regime's radical social restructuring.