Numismatic

1885-1928 French Indo-China Silver Piastre Avg Circ

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Struck at the Paris Mint, this silver coin served as the French equivalent of the trade dollar, circulating throughout French Indo-China. Issued between the years 1885 and 1928, each piece contains 0.7812 troy ounces of silver, minted with a purity of 0.900. These dimensions made it a reliable medium of exchange for regional commerce during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The obverse features a seated depiction of Liberty, surrounded by the inscription REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE along with the year of issue. The reverse showcases a wreath design, around which the denomination and the metal specifications are detailed. Prominent reverse inscriptions include TITRE 0.900, PIASTRE DE COMMERCE, and POIDS 27 GR, alongside the Paris Mint mark, A. Cataloged by numismatists as KM#5a0.1 in the Krause system, these coins survive today in average circulated condition, offering a tangible look into the monetary history of Southeast Asia.