Discovery Coin: Earliest Known Coin Of French Indochina

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Author	Replies: 4 / Views: 602
Spence Moderator United States 34397 Posts	Posted 06/13/2025 10:55 am I picked up this previously-unpublished, 1725-dated Piastre in a street market in Laos. Amazingly, while most historians believe that this federation of French colonies dates only as early 1887 with the end of the Sino-French War, here is clear evidence that even as far back as the monarchy of Louis XV, France had designs on Southeast Asia. Interestingly signed as "BARRE", this must refer to legendary chief engraver for the French Mint Jacques-Jean Barre's grandfather or grandmother, although most sources credit his son Jean-Auguste Barre with the iconic design of Marianne seated facing left. With bronze highlights peeking out from beneath a silver wash in the areas of highest circulation wear, it is amazing well preserved for being 300 years old. Surely, it is a one-of-a-kind find! Obviously a one-look fake, but still a fun find. Hope you giggled at least once reading my write-up. Actual history learning here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Indochina https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1725_in_France https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques-Jean_Barre "If you climb a good tree, you get a push." -----Ghanaian proverb "The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed." -----King Adz Report this Post to the Staff

jbuck Moderator United States 188105 Posts	Posted 06/13/2025 11:00 am Fun find for the black cabinet! Coin Collector Since 1978 Avatar Old Avatar 7070 Eisenhower Australia Canada World CCF Members on eBay CCF eBay Search Engine Report this Post to the Staff
HondoB Bedrock of the Community United States 25093 Posts	Posted 06/13/2025 11:26 am Excellent, Spence! I have one that must be a pattern piece, as Numista states that these piastres were not minted until 1885. Would Heritage be the best place to auction it to maximize my financial gain? French Indochina 1 Piastre 1882 Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures Report this Post to the Staff
jbuck Moderator United States 188105 Posts	Posted 06/13/2025 11:29 am And then there were two of them! Coin Collector Since 1978 Avatar Old Avatar 7070 Eisenhower Australia Canada World CCF Members on eBay CCF eBay Search Engine Report this Post to the Staff
tdziemia Pillar of the Community United States 7936 Posts	Posted 06/13/2025 12:33 pm Quote: Interestingly signed as "BARRE", this must refer to legendary chief engraver for the French Mint Jacques-Jean Barre's grandfather or grandmother It must be my eyes. I am seeing HARHAR Report this Post to the Staff
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