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60 Văn - Tự Đức Bảo Sao, large size
| Issuer | Empire of Vietnam |
|---|---|
| Year | 1861-1870 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Obverse lettering | 嗣 鈔 寶 德 (Translation: Tự Đức Bảo Sao Tự Đức (Emperor) / Treasure currency) |
| Reverse description | Large cast brass cash coin featuring a central square perforation flanked by four bold Chinese characters in traditional regular script (kaishu), arranged in cruciform fashion and read top to bottom, right to left. The top character reads 準 (Chuẩn), the right reads 六 (Lục), the left reads 十 (Thập), and the bottom reads 文 (Văn), together forming the value inscription 準六十文 (Chuẩn Lục Thập Văn), meaning 'Equal to sixty Văn'. The characters are deeply and boldly cast in high relief against a plain, flat field. A simple raised rim encircles the coin without further decorative border elements. The reverse composition and casting style are consistent with the denomination and period of Nguyễn dynasty large-denomination cash coinage. |
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| Additional information |
The 60 Văn denomination was among the highest-value cash coins produced under Tự Đức, issued during a reign defined by compounding catastrophe — French forces seized Saigon in 1859, and by 1862 the Treaty of Saigon had ceded three southern provinces outright. The court's fiscal position deteriorated sharply, and large-denomination brass multiples like this piece circulated alongside debased issues as the administration struggled to maintain any monetary coherence in the remaining territory.
The "Bảo Sao" designation distinguishes this as a Treasury Board issue rather than a Board of Works or provincial strike — a meaningful administrative distinction that affected both quality control and authorized mintage volumes.