Vichy France (1939-1944) Coin List
Vichy France in French Indochina during the period from 1939 to 1944 was a time of significant change and political tension. The collaborationist Vichy regime, led by Marshal Philippe Pétain, exercised control over the French colonies, including Indochina, while dealing with pressures from Japan and local independence movements.
Historical and political context
After the fall of France to Nazi Germany in 1940, the Vichy government maintained nominal control over Indochina. However, the reality on the ground was more complex. Japan, in its expansion in Southeast Asia, pressed the French authorities for military and economic concessions. In September 1940, Japan obtained the right to station troops in Indochina, marking the beginning of a de facto occupation. Despite this, the French colonial administration continued to function, creating a situation of uneasy coexistence between the French and Japanese. During this period, nationalist movements in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia gained strength, taking advantage of the weakness of French colonial power and growing Japanese influence.
Numismatics and economics
On the monetary front, the Indochina piastre remained the official currency during this turbulent period. However, the economy of the region was deeply affected by the war and the Japanese occupation. The currency issues of this period reflect the complex political situation, with some coins still bearing symbols of the Vichy government, such as the motto "Travail, Famille, Patrie". Inflation became an increasing problem, especially towards the end of the war, leading to the issuance of higher denomination banknotes. In addition, local trade became increasingly dependent on the Japanese yen, reflecting Japan's growing economic influence in the region. This monetary duality between the piastre and the yen symbolized the struggle for control between the French and Japanese authorities, and foreshadowed the dramatic changes that would occur in the region after 1945.
The most valuable and popular coins
The most valuable Vichy France (1939-1944) coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:
The valuation of these coins list 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.
Old 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 1945-1947Coin Catalog
Indochina Francesa | 10 centimes
Indochina Francesa | 20 centimes
Indochina Francesa | 20 centimes
Indochina Francesa | 20 centimes
Indochina Francesa | 1 centime
Indochina Francesa | 1 centime
Indochina Francesa | 1 centime
Indochina Francesa | 1/4 centime
Indochina Francesa | 1 centime
Indochina Francesa | 5 centimes
Other resources to find coins and banknotes of French Indochina
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