1 Cash - Thành Thái Thông Bảo

Historical Context: This 1 Cash coin, dated 1889, inaugurates the reign of Emperor Thành Thái (Nguyễn Phúc Bửu Lân), who ascended the throne of the Empire of Vietnam at a tumultuous time. His rule, from 1889 to 1907, occurred under the increasing French colonial protectorate, making him a figurehead of Vietnamese sovereignty amidst foreign dominance. The issuance of "Thành Thái Thông Bảo" coinage affirmed his imperial authority and provided essential currency for daily transactions across the empire, symbolizing continuity in a period of profound political change.

Artistry: The design adheres to the venerable tradition of East Asian cash coinage, featuring a square central hole (fang kong) for stringing. While specific engravers are typically unrecorded for these imperial issues, the artistry reflects the established Vietnamese calligraphic style. The obverse prominently displays the reign title "Thành Thái Thông Bảo" (Thành Thái Currency) in a clear, legible script. The reverse is generally plain, though minor variations in mint marks or dots exist across the series, as indicated by the reference numbers.

Technical/Grading: Produced through traditional casting methods, this brass 1 Cash coin (2.8 gg, 23.4 mmmm) exhibits characteristics typical of the process. Expect variations in strike sharpness and planchet quality, with some examples showing minor casting flaws or unevenness. High-points for wear assessment include the raised characters and the outer rim, where friction first manifests. A well-preserved example will display crisp characters, a clear inner square hole, and minimal porosity on its surfaces.