Laos issued its first coins in 1952, when it was gaining independence from France. The coins were issued by the Kingdom of Laos and consisted of the 10, 20 and 50 Cents struck in aluminum at the Paris Mint. All three coins were struck with a center hole to allow for the coins to be easily strung and carried. It appears the hole was an afterthought in the design process as it pierces the center of the design, rather than incorporating the hole into an artistic design.