© CGB
© CGB
1⁄600 Piastre Essai
1905 year| Zinc | 2.40 g | 25 mm |
| Issuer | Tonkin (Vietnam) |
|---|---|
| Period | French Protectorate (1884-1945) |
| Type | Pattern |
| Year | 1905 |
| Value | 1⁄600 Piastre (1⁄600 ICFP) |
| Currency | French Indochinese piastre (1884-1945) |
| Composition | Zinc |
| Weight | 2.40 g |
| Diameter | 25 mm |
| Thickness | 0.9 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#127806 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Seven Chinese ideograms surrounding the hole with Latin legend to the lower right.
Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Lettering:
百分六
寶通
之
一
ESSAI
Translation:
Lục Bách Phân Nhất Chi / Thông Bảo
1 part of 600 / Universal currency
Edge
Plain
Comment
Tonkin was a French protectorate since the Sino-French war of 1885, which later became part of North Vietnam. It issued only one type of coin, commonly known as the Sapèque (or Cash). They were supposed to replace the Vietnamese and Chinese cash coins that largely circulated in the region, being struck in a similar shape and style; however, they proved to be unpopular with the locals and the majority of those minted were never put into circulation.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Pattern 1⁄600 Piastre (Essai) 1905 from Tonkin (Vietnam) made of Zinc weighing 2.40 g is that it is a rare and unique coin that was minted as a trial piece, and only a few examples are known to exist. It is considered a valuable collector's item among numismatists and is highly sought after due to its rarity and historical significance.
