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1/2 Tael Pattern
| Issuer | French Indochina |
|---|---|
| Year | 1943-1944 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Chinese |
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| Reverse description | The reverse displays a two-register inscription in the upper field arranged in a semicircular arc of Lao script, reading 'ເຄິ່ງເງິນໂດລາ' (Half Silver Dollar/Liang), occupying the upper portion of the field in flowing cursive characters. Below, in the lower register, four Chinese characters '半兩正銀' (Half Liang/Tael Fine Silver) are inscribed in a rectilinear style. At the base of the field, the Latin word 'ESSAI' (Trial/Pattern) is incused in small capital letters, confirming the pattern status of this piece. A plain raised rim borders the entire reverse. The bilingual denomination legend reflects the multicultural monetary policy intended for French Indochina's diverse population. |
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| Additional information |
These patterns were produced by the Hanoi Mint during the Japanese occupation of Indochina, when the Vichy French administration retained nominal control over local institutions even as Japanese military authorities dictated economic policy. The tael denomination was a deliberate concession to traditional Chinese-influenced weight standards still in everyday use across northern Vietnam and among merchant communities — the metric gram system of official French coinage meant little at the market level.
Production was never authorized for circulation. The occupation's monetary chaos made any new silver coinage practically irrelevant before it began.