Currencies/Cambodian unit
From Collectors Collecting Wiki
Introduction
The Cambodian unit refers to the basic standard of currency measurement used across Cambodia’s historical monetary systems. Before and after colonization, Cambodia’s monetary “unit” evolved through various forms — from the tical and franc to the modern riel — each serving as the country’s principal unit of account.
History
In early Cambodian trade, barter and metal exchange were common before the formal introduction of coinage. The first standardized currency unit emerged as the tical during the 19th century, a silver-based coin influenced by the Siamese system.
In 1875, under French influence, the Cambodian franc replaced the tical as the new national unit, aligning Cambodia’s economy with the French decimal monetary system.
Later, in 1885, the French Indochinese piastre became the regional unit of account throughout French Indochina, including Cambodia.
After gaining independence in 1953, Cambodia introduced the riel, which remains the country’s current monetary unit.
Thus, the Cambodian “unit” represents a historical succession of standard currencies — tical → franc → piastre → riel — each defining a distinct period of Cambodia’s economic development.
Coins
Throughout history, each Cambodian currency unit was represented by coins of varying metals and denominations:
Tical Period (19th century): Silver tical coins and fractional units (fuang, pe, att).
Franc Period (1875–1885): Bronze and silver coins denominated in centimes and francs.
Piastre Period (1885–1953): Silver and nickel coins issued under French Indochina.
Riel Period (1953–present): Modern coins in riels and commemorative issues by the National Bank of Cambodia.
Each coinage reflected Cambodia’s changing political status and economic orientation — from independent kingdom to French protectorate and modern nation-state.
Currency
Cambodia’s main currency units over time were structured as follows:
1 tical = 8 fuang = 32 pe = 64 att
1 franc = 100 centimes
1 piastre = 100 cents
1 riel = 100 sen
These units illustrate Cambodia’s gradual transition from a traditional silver-based currency to a modern decimal system.
Legacy
The term Cambodian unit embodies the historical continuity of Cambodia’s evolving currencies. From the tical’s regional role in silver trade to the modern riel’s coexistence with the U.S. dollar, each unit reflects Cambodia’s adaptation to new economic realities.
Today, the riel (៛) serves as the official unit of Cambodia, representing both national identity and economic resilience.