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Discovery Coin: Earliest Known Coin Of French Indochina

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Spence's Avatar
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 Posted 06/13/2025  10:55 am Show Profile   Bookmark this topic Add Spence to your friends list Get a Link to this Message Number of Subscribers
I picked up this previously-unpublished, 1725-dated Piastre in a street market in Laos.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!



Discovery-Coin:-Earliest-Known-Coin-Of-French-Indochina
Discovery-Coin:-Earliest-Known-Coin-Of-French-Indochina



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
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jbuck's Avatar
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HondoB's Avatar
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 Posted 06/13/2025  11:26 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add HondoB to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
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
Discovery-Coin:-Earliest-Known-Coin-Of-French-Indochina
Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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tdziemia's Avatar
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 Posted 06/13/2025  12:33 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add tdziemia to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply

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
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