Cambodia’s monetary history

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Moeun Nhean

On viewing the ancient Khmer temples that lay across the Indochina peninsula, it is impossible not to praise the talent of the civilisation that built them. The Khmer nation’s economy during this era is just one of the many mysteries behind the wonderful temples. Did the ancient culture have monetary notes in circulation for selling, buying or trading goods?

Archaeologists have indeed found forms of monetary notes made of multi-metal, silver and gold. Dating back across several eras, the coins are now kept at the archaeology station in Angkor Borey, Takeo province, and many other archaeology stations in Cambodia and Thailand. They provide evidence of the progress of ancient Khmer trade, showing that the society created its own currency in order to ease trading activities and daily living, and make payments for domestic and international trade.

Dr Michael Trané, a specialist in Khmer culture and civilisation and former under-secretary at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, has written a book titled History of Khmer Money. He says that “a lot of evidence has been found, such as copper notes, mirrors, Buddhist statues, and ceramics. The study of these ancient objects has informed people about the prosperity and progress of Cambodia’s ancient era, which resulted from a regime of monarchy and trade, and made people prosperous and wealthy.”

read more: http://www.phnompenhpost.com/special-reports/cambodias-monetary-history