See full images — free registration
Continue with Google — it's free or register with email

2 Tiền - Bao Dai

Issuer Imperial Court of Vietnam
Year 1926-1945
Type Log in to see details
Value Log in to see details
Currency Log in to see details
Composition Log in to see details
Weight Log in to see details
Diameter Log in to see details
Thickness Log in to see details
Shape Round
Technique Log in to see details
Orientation Log in to see details
Engraver(s) Log in to see details
In circulation to Log in to see details
Reference(s) Log in to see details
Obverse description Log in to see details
Obverse script Log in to see details
Obverse lettering Log in to see details
Reverse description Central field features two sinuous dragons in high relief, each clutching or flanking a large flaming pearl, arranged symmetrically in a confronted or chasing composition typical of Nguyen dynasty imperial iconography. Two additional flaming pearls appear in the lateral fields, further emphasizing the celestial symbolism. The Chinese numeral 二 (two) appears at the top of the field, and the character 價 (value) is positioned at the bottom, together indicating the denomination of 2 Tiền. The design is bold and deeply struck, with intricate scale and flame detailing throughout.
Reverse script Chinese
Reverse lettering Log in to see details
Edge Log in to see details
Mint Log in to see details
Mintage Log in to see details
Additional information

Bảo Đại's reign produced remarkably little in the way of official coinage — the French colonial administration controlled monetary policy, leaving the imperial court largely ceremonial in financial matters. These gold tièn pieces were struck not for circulation but as court presentation items, their issuance tied to ritual rather than commerce. The type is poorly documented in Western references, and Zeno catalogue numbers remain among the few systematic attempts to track surviving examples.

The 1926 start date marks the beginning of Bảo Đại's reign following the death of Khải Định.