40 Văn - Tự Đức (Bảo Sao) ND (1861-1870) front 40 Văn - Tự Đức (Bảo Sao) ND (1861-1870) back
40 Văn - Tự Đức (Bảo Sao) ND (1861-1870) photo
© Monnaies d'Antan

40 Văn - Tự Đức Bảo Sao ND

 
Brass 22.23 g 39 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of Vietnam
Emperor
Tự Đức (1847-1883)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1861-1870
Value
40 Văn
Currency
Văn (1868-1945)
Composition
Brass
Weight
22.23 g
Diameter
39 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-09
References
Numista
N#153048
Rarity index
93%

Reverse

Four Chinese ideograms read top to right, left to bottom.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:
 準
十 四
 文

Translation:
Chuẩn Tứ Thập Văn
Equal to 40 Văn

Edge

Plain

Comment

The Tự Đức Bảo Sao coins were created to complement the regular circulation coins; however, due to their intrinsic value being much small than their nominal values, they were poorly received. Originally introduced in 1861, these pieces saw a further decrease in weight in 1870 (while keeping the nominal values the same).

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the 40 Văn - Tự Đức (Bảo Sao) ND (1861-1870) coin from the Empire of Vietnam is that it was designed with a unique blend of traditional Vietnamese and French influences. The coin features an image of a dragon on one side, which is a symbol of power and strength in Vietnamese culture, while the other side bears the image of a French imperial eagle, reflecting the country's colonial history. This blend of cultural influences makes the coin a fascinating piece of numismatic history.