Our upcoming Hong Kong Auction will feature one of the most sought after pieces in World Currency collecting. Stack's Bowers is pleased to offer the South Viet Nam P-4Ap 1000 Dong Proof for the first time in our history. This note is at the top of every serious collector's list for multiple reasons: its beauty, design, scarcity and interesting history, as well as the high denomination and the degree of difficulty of obtaining an example, especially a gem.

This note was proposed to the government after the Thomas De La Rue Company was commissioned to create a piece that represented the essence of South Viet Nam. The Old Man was printed to signify dedication and longevity, while he stared at the temple that represented the religious sentiment of the region. On the reverse a stunning woman offers an aura equal to that of the Mona Lisa. The background displays a boat on a lake with a mountainous landscape -- a symbol of the beauty of the area. TDLR produced a few test creations and ultimately the proposed design on the featured note was chosen. Sadly, while this design was approved through the Proof and Specimen stages, it was never issued, most likely due to the war. It is only available as a Proof, or a Specimen. There are fewer Proofs available than Specimens, however Proof examples lack the unique watermark of the old man that when held to the light, is staring at the woman.

The note will be offered in our live session of the Hong Kong Paper Money Sale in August.

Howard Daniel adds:

To read the complete article, see:
The Old Man at the Temple - The Holy Grail of World Currency (www.stacksbowers.com/News/Pages/Blogs.aspx?ArticleID=2130)