Catalog
| Issuer | Empire of Vietnam |
|---|---|
| Year | 986-1005 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (970-1868) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 3.30 g |
| Diameter | 25 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Toda#3, Barker#2.1, Hartill#25.2 |
| Obverse description | Four Chinese ideograms read top to bottom, right to left. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Chinese (traditional, regular script) |
| Obverse lettering |
天 寶 鎮 福 (Translation: Thiên Phúc Trấn Bảo Thiên Phúc (1st era of Lê Hoàn, 980-988) / Local currency) |
| Reverse description | One Chinese ideogram above. |
| Reverse script | Chinese (traditional, regular script) |
| Reverse lettering |
黎 (Translation: Lê Lê dynasty) |
| Edge | Smooth. |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (986-1005) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1555129690 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The Thiên Phúc Trấn Bảo cash coin, issued by the Empire of Vietnam (986-1005), marks a pivotal moment in Vietnamese numismatic history. Struck under Emperor Lê Đại Hành (Lê Hoàn), founder of the Early Lê Dynasty, this coinage signifies Vietnam's burgeoning independence after centuries of Chinese rule. The "Thiên Phúc" era name commemorates his reign, which saw the consolidation of the Vietnamese state and a distinct national identity, departing from reliance on foreign currency.
Artistry: While no individual engraver is attributed, the Thiên Phúc Trấn Bảo reflects early Vietnamese numismatic aesthetics, influenced by Chinese prototypes yet developing its own character. The obverse features "Thiên Phúc Trấn Bảo" (Heavenly Blessing Circulating Treasure) in a clear, often rustic, regular script. The "Lê" character on some varieties, likely on the reverse, asserts dynastic authority and local identity, distinguishing it from purely Chinese issues.
Technical/Grading: Crafted from copper, this 25mm, 3.30-gram coin typically exhibits robust yet variable strike quality characteristic of early Vietnamese issues. High points for grading include the clarity of the four obverse characters, the definition of the outer rim, and the sharpness of the inner rim surrounding the central square hole. Collectors should anticipate minor casting flaws, uneven planchet surfaces, and slight off-center strikes, common for coins of this era and production.