Catalog
| Issuer | Lan Xang, Kingdom of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1353-1571 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1/2 Lat |
| Currency | |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 37.2 g |
| Diameter | |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Other |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Mitch NI#2786 |
| Obverse description | Three symbols: unknown, elephant to right, chakra. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1353-1571) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1008055830 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 1/2 Lat 1/2 Tamlung silver coin originates from the Kingdom of Lan Xang, spanning the foundational period from 1353 to 1571. This era encompasses the reigns of pivotal figures like Fa Ngum, the kingdom's founder, and Samsenethai, who solidified its administration. As a significant silver denomination, it underpinned Lan Xang's burgeoning economy during its expansion across mainland Southeast Asia, reflecting a period of robust trade and the establishment of a powerful regional state centered on Theravada Buddhist culture.
Artistry: The design of this 1/2 Lat is characteristic of early Lan Xang coinage, often referred to as "Lat" or "boat money" due to its distinctive canoe-like shape. While specific engravers are unknown, the stylistic school prioritizes functionality and material value over intricate pictorial representation. The primary "design" elements are the inherent form of the silver bar and any impressed marks (indicated by "mm" in specifications), which typically served as mint marks or royal seals, affirming authenticity and weight rather than artistic expression.
Technical/Grading: Weighing 37.2 grams of silver, this 1/2 Lat 1/2 Tamlung represents a substantial unit of currency. For grading, high-points would typically involve the integrity of the boat-shape, the smoothness of the silver surfaces, and the clarity of any impressed marks. Technical strike qualities are assessed by the consistency of the silver's purity, the uniformity of the bar's shape, and the sharpness of the "mm" or other impressed symbols. Well-preserved examples exhibit minimal surface abrasions and clearly defined edges, indicative of careful manufacture.