Cash back: Check out Vietnamese currency through the ages

By Quynh Tran May 1, 2017 | 03:26 am PT

Coins dating back over 1,000 years are on show in Saigon, and you should expect change!

More than 700 ancient coins and banknotes, including one said to be the oldest in the country, are on display at the Museum of Vietnamese History in Ho Chi Minh City.

The first Vietnamese coin is made in 968, marking the independence of Vietnam after 1,000 years of Chinese domination.

The first Vietnamese coin was made in AD968, marking the country's independence after 1,000 years of Chinese domination.

Coins used under the Ly (1009–1225), Tran (1225–1400), Le (1428–1527; 1533–1789) and Nguyen (1802-1885) dynasties.

The exhibition has an area for displaying false coins. Back then, coins were cast manually and errors were a usual thing.

Fake coins are also on display. Back then, coins were cast manually and errors were common.

Items for containing and counting coins.

The ancient versions of wallets used for containing and counting coins.

The machine for counting coins used in the early 20th century.

A machine used for counting coins from the early 20th century.

Vietnamese currency during the French domination (1858-1945). Coins with square holes were replaced by those with round holes.

Vietnamese currency during the French colonial times (1858-1945). Coins with square holes were replaced by those with round holes.

Banknotes from North Vietnam, officially the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (1945-1976).

The golden coin of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The coin was made in 1948 from pure gold and only 200 of them, weighing 8,325 grams each, were produced. Those coins did not appear on the market and were used only by the Government as gifts.

One of only 200 gold coins made by the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1948. Those coins did not appear on the market and were used only as gifts by the government.

For 20 years of existing from 1955 to 1975, the South Vietnam regime, or the Republic of Vietnam, issued ten collections of banknotes and five collections of coins.

From 1955 to 1975, the South Vietnam regime, or the Republic of Vietnam, issued 10 collections of banknotes and five collections of coins.

A document signed by the president of South Vietnam on printing, issuing and circulating currency.

Coupons used during the Anti-French Resistance War (1946-1954) and the American-Vietnam War (1955-1975) instead of cash.