Country ISO code: KH
Official language: Khmer
Language ISO code: km
Current official currency: Cambodian Riel
Current currency ISO code: KHR

Complete Financial History of the Kingdom of Cambodia (ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រកម្ពុជា)

1. Cambodian Riel (KHR)

• ISO Code: KHR

• Singular name: Riel

• Plural name: Riel

• Monetary subdivision: 1 Riel = 100 sen

• Fraction name (singular): Sen

• Fraction name (plural): Sen

• Initial production date: 1953 (first issuance), reintroduced in 1980 after suspension

• Final production date: Still in production

• Initial circulation date: 1953, resumed in 1980

• Final circulation date: Still in circulation

• Mint: Produced at international mints

• Issuing bank: National Bank of Cambodia

• Minted coin denominations: 50 sen, 100, 200, 500 riel

• Printed banknote denominations: 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 riel

2. Tical (no ISO code)

• Singular name: Tical

• Plural name: Tical

• Monetary subdivision: 1 Tical = 64 Att

• Fraction name (singular): Att

• Fraction name (plural): Att

• Initial production date: 1850s

• Final production date: 1875

• Initial circulation date: 1850s

• Final circulation date: 1875

• Mint: Oudong

• Issuing authority: Kingdom of Cambodia

• Minted coin denominations: Gold and silver coins

• Banknotes: Not applicable

3. Cambodian Franc (no ISO code)

• Singular name: Franc

• Plural name: Franc

• Monetary subdivision: 1 Franc = 100 centimes

• Fraction name (singular): Centime

• Fraction name (plural): Centimes

• Initial production date: 1875

• Final production date: 1953

• Initial circulation date: 1875

• Final circulation date: 1953

• Mint: France

• Issuing authority: French Indochina

• Minted coin denominations: Various centimes and francs

• Printed banknote denominations: Various denominations

Economic Historical Context

• The Tical was the traditional currency in the 19th century before French colonization.

• The Cambodian Franc circulated during French colonial rule until independence.

• The Riel was introduced post-independence in 1953.

• During the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979), the monetary system was abolished, and barter was used.

• The Riel was reintroduced in 1980 and remains the official currency, coexisting with the US dollar for larger transactions.

Mints / Production Locations

• Current coins and banknotes are produced at international mints due to lack of local minting facilities.

Designs / Symbols on Coins and Banknotes

• Banknotes feature images of temples, historical figures, and cultural symbols of Cambodia.

• Coins bear Khmer inscriptions and traditional national symbols.

Print Runs / Signatories / Honorees

• Specific print runs and signatories vary by issuance; banknotes are signed by officials of the National Bank of Cambodia.

Curiosities / Commemorative Coins

• In 2024, the National Bank of Cambodia issued a commemorative 200,000 riel banknote celebrating the 20th anniversary of King Norodom Sihamoni’s reign.

Current Circulation Status

• The Riel is actively circulating as Cambodia’s official currency.

• The US dollar is widely accepted for larger transactions.

Issuing Authority

• National Bank of Cambodia

Relevant Monetary Legislation

• Currency issuance and regulation are governed by Cambodian law and overseen by the National Bank of Cambodia.

This report provides the complete financial history of Cambodia, highlighting the Riel as the official currency in circulation since its reintroduction in 1980, following the restoration of the national monetary system.