French Indochina Coins
The monetary history of French Indochina is a fascinating chapter in Southeast Asian numismatics. During the French colonial period, which extended from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, the region underwent major changes in its monetary system, reflecting European influence on the local economy.
The Indochina piastra
The piastra of Indochina was the main unit of currency during much of French colonial rule. Introduced in 1885, this currency replaced the various local currencies and was divided into 100 centimes. The piastra was minted in silver and later in other metals, and its designs often combined French and Asian elements, such as the effigy of Marianne along with local motifs.
Transition and legacy
After World War II, Indochina's monetary system began to fragment. In 1953, the Indochina franc was introduced as a transitional measure before the independence of the countries in the region. This period saw the issuance of some of the rarest and most sought after pieces by collectors. After independence, each nation developed its own monetary system, but coins and banknotes from the colonial era remain objects of great numismatic interest, testimony to a crucial era in the history of Southeast Asia.
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French Indochina is a country that does not exist today. It is now part of the Vietnam coins.
Ancient coins of French Indochina
To facilitate their classification, we have decided to organise the coins according to their historical period, you can consult the coins by historical numismatic categories of French Indochina.
Tonkin 1905-1905 French Administration 1885-1940 Vichy France 1939-1944 Federation of Indochina 1945-1947The most valuable coins
The most valuable French Indochina coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:
The valuation of these coins has been achieved through a meticulous algorithm that considers the current market, taking into account aspects such as material, weight, diameter, edge, year of mintage, mint of manufacture and the number of coins produced. Coins with limited mintages and in good condition are usually among the most valuable.
Coin Catalog
1 centime
1/600 piastres (Tonkin Protectorate)
10 cents
10 cents
20 cents
20 cents
50 centimes
50 céntimes
50 centimes
1 piastre
1 piastre
1 sapeque
1 cent
1 cent
10 centimes
20 cents
1 centime
20 cents (Mule)
10 cents
20 cents
Other resources to find coins and banknotes of French Indochina
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