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5 Xu Ho Chi Minh Trail Note; second issue
| Issuer | Vietnam, Democratic Republic |
|---|---|
| Year | 1968-1971 |
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| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Third northern đồng (1959-1978) |
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| Obverse description | Black letterpress numeral '5' at centre over a tan guilloche underprint with interlocking geometric border bands. Series letters 'BT' printed in red at left and right, with a red serial number at lower centre. Corner numerals '5' are set within small guilloche cartouches. |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | 5 BT |
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| Comments |
The Ho Chi Minh Trail notes were a parallel currency system issued specifically for use along the supply corridor running through Laos and Cambodia — not for general domestic circulation in North Vietnam. This second issue replaced the first series after American intelligence operations had compromised knowledge of the earlier notes' design, creating an operational security problem for PAVN logistics units relying on them for sanctioned purchases along the route.
The 5 Xu denomination was the smallest practical unit in this field currency, used primarily for minor transactions with local populations in the border zones. Paper quality varies considerably in surviving examples — a known characteristic of wartime production, not a grade-specific defect.