Banknote of Banque de l'Indochine - First type - 1 piastre

Banknote of Banque de l'Indochine - First type - 1 piastre

Obverse:

There are two female figures looking at each other.
On the left, the female figure wearing ao dai sits on a base, turns towards her left side, and looks up. Her right hand holds a bamboo stick, while her left hand rests leisurely on the chair on which the other figure sits.
On the right, the other female figure wearing a cloak sits on a higher chair, turns towards her right side and looks down. There is a laurel wreath on her head. Her right hand spreads the cloak and cover the other figure partly and her left hand holds the caduceus – symbol of Mercury, the god represents communication and commerce. The figure on the right could be Marianne.
Besides, under the figures’ feet is a sheaf of rice. And they are framed inside columns adorned with Eastern dragons.
Languages: French, English
Watermark: $1

Reverse:
The image of Chinese dragons
Languages: French, Chinese

Those images on the banknote suggest the association policy of French colonialism because they combine Western elements with Eastern ones. Also, the French and Vietnamese figures are portrayed depending on each other, with signs of prosperity (a sheaf of rice). However, the French figure is still dominant since she sits higher, and French is the main language on both the obverse and the reverse.

Reference:
Daniel, Howard A. 1978. The Catalog and Guidebook of Southeast Asian Coins and Currency. 2nd ed. vol. 1. Portage, OH: BNR Press.

Pho Do Quyen