Nam’s passion began in 1994, when he was stationed in Khanh Hoa Province during his military service. A local resident gave him three old Vietnamese banknotes as a memento. Intrigued, he began studying the intricate designs and imagery on the bills. The more he explored, the more captivated he became - eventually sparking his decision to start collecting rare money.

By late 1995, after completing his military service, Nam began actively researching and seeking out vintage currency.

“Back then, collecting old money was incredibly difficult,” he recalled. “I had to wait for the spring Vieng Market in Nam Truc District (Nam Dinh Province), which only happens once a year, to try and find notes I didn’t yet own. I’d ask friends and contacts to keep an eye out for me. If I heard that someone, somewhere, had a rare note I was missing, I’d travel to meet them and buy it - no matter the distance.”

In recent years, social media has made collecting easier. Online platforms and interest groups allow Nam to connect with other enthusiasts, buy and trade notes, and access a wider range of rare pieces.

A high price for history and heritage

Nam now owns around 500 paper notes and over 200 coins. Some have cost him tens of millions of dong. Most recently, he paid 60 million VND (nearly 2,500 USD) for a single highly sought-after note he had been searching for over many years.

To truly understand the cultural and historical value of each piece, Nam consults research books, studies online archives, and engages with fellow collectors. His deepening knowledge helps him accurately assess the rarity and significance of each item in his collection.

“Each era had its own note sizes, colors, materials, and printing methods. Just by looking at a note, you can tell which historical period it came from,” he explained. “Everything - from the typography and patterns to the materials - reflects the economic and social conditions of that time.”

“To me, these notes are more than monetary objects. They’re witnesses to history, tied to the story of our country. That’s why I find collecting so rewarding. Even if a note is expensive, I never feel like I’ve overpaid - it’s always worth it.”

Preserving the past, one note at a time

Nam has developed meticulous preservation techniques for his growing collection. Whenever he acquires a new banknote, he first uses an air conditioner to gently dry it and eliminate any moisture that could lead to mold.

Next, the note is sealed in a firm plastic sleeve, edges heat-sealed, then stored in an album inside a protective cabinet. This method ensures that even decades-old notes retain their original clarity and quality.

For exceptionally rare or high-value pieces, Nam sends them overseas for professional grading and preservation using advanced archival technology - ensuring they remain intact under optimal conditions.

Despite receiving numerous high offers to sell parts of his collection, Nam has always declined.

“The emotional and cultural value of these notes far outweighs any monetary offer,” he said.

Beyond money: A living archive of Vietnam’s visual history

In addition to currency, Nam is also passionate about collecting ration coupons and postage stamps. His collection now includes over 10,000 stamps, many of which are considered rare and highly sought after by philatelists.

To Nam, each coin, note, or stamp carries a unique story.

That’s why he dreams of one day building a personal exhibition space at home - a small museum where other collectors and enthusiasts can visit, admire, exchange stories, and share knowledge.

“Every piece is a slice of history. Preserving them is preserving memory,” he said.