4 Francs - Norodom I Essai

The 1860 Cambodian coinage project was initiated under French pressure as the protectorate relationship was being formalized — France would not officially establish its protectorate over Cambodia until 1863, but monetary standardization efforts preceded the political arrangement. These essai pieces were struck in Paris as pattern proposals, and the 4 Francs denomination was never adopted for circulation. Norodom I had only recently consolidated his claim to the throne following a succession dispute with his brother Sisowath, a rivalry that would persist for decades.