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Apr 29, 2017 / 12:09

The 85-year-old passionate collector of Vietnamese currency

Collecting Vietnamese money from Indochina period up to now is only for the purpose of retaining a bit of nostalgia and letting the next generation know how many regimes our country has gone through.

That is the share of Mr. Bui Kim Thanh (85 years old) - former Vice Chairman of Hoa Binh People's Committee (1989 - 1994) with Hanoitimes reporter on the occasion of preparing for 42 years anniversary of Liberation day (30/4/1975 - 30/4/2017).
Vietnam old cash collection.
Vietnam old cash collection.
Person - who appreciates the past
Recognizing himself as a person living with the past and unforgettable historical mark of the country, Mr. Thanh has collected many kinds of antiques, in which, the most meaningful is the ancient Vietnamese currency from the Indochina period, Bao Dai currency of colonial-feudalism to the polymer currency now. "The main purpose of collecting currency is to let future generations aware of how many regimes we has gone through, how many kinds of currency are there for each regime, from the colonial - feudal to  colonialism regime... ", Mr. Thanh shared.
Throughout the history of the country, the paper currency has also undergone upheaval. According to Mr. Thanh, without mentioning Ho Quy Ly's currency failure, the Indochina paper was considered the first Vietnamese paper currency.
The Indochinese currency was issued by the French and circulated between 1885 and 1954. This money was shared among the three countries: Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia. After the August Revolution in 1945, the dong was officially printed and circulated. The front of the dong has the words "Democratic Republic of Vietnam" printed in national letter, Chinese characters and picture of President Ho Chi Minh.
A careful preservation process has been performed to make a decent currency without yellowing, tearing, creasing or getting old. Each paper will stain from time to time when exposing to air, especially sweat in the hands. Therefore, to keep these currency under the climate, weather and humidity of over 80% in Vietnam is always a challenge for Mr. Thanh. The Former Vice Chairman of Hoa Binh People's Committee said that despite all preservation measures, some money was worn out, blurred and torn by time.
In fact, these currency are no longer valid. But in some respects they are invaluable as they are a clear demonstration that Vietnam has experienced many regimes.
To prevent the younger generation from forgetting the merits of his father
It is from his thoughts and self reminders not to forget the past, in addition to collecting the money, Mr. Thanh also retained each food voucher and subsidy stamps. With the aim of enabling young people today to learn about a memorable past, empathize with their father's generation and appreciate what they have. Rice voucher, food stamps, food transfer papers... are extremely important in subsidized families. "During the subsidy period, each person in each given area will be issued a food voucher. At that time, even people with money may not be able to buy, " Mr. Thanh said.
According to Mr. Thanh, when arriving in a new place without a food voucher, people temporarily used the food stamp. The State distributes different quantities of food and goods to each different people. At that time, people with money may not be able to buy voucher. The purpose of using voucher and stamp is to control the limited budget.
In addition, Mr. Thanh is also collecting old photographs (1949 - 1963), and now he owns about 20 photographs with Vietnamese generations of leaders such as former General Secretary Do Muoi, General Vo Nguyen Giap, former President of the National Assembly Nguyen Van An ... Accordingly, he is planning to donate this photo collection to the memorial of Hoa Binh province after completing.
Vietnam cash collection from 1945 - 1951.
Vietnam cash collection from 1945 - 1951.
Photo material.
Photo material.
Photo material.
Photo material.
The Great General Vo Nguyen Giap (the right).
The Great General Vo Nguyen Giap (the left).