VIETNAM CASH COINS
AUCTION CLOSING SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 9:00 PM EASTERN TIME
RESULTS ARE POSTED AT www.fsrcoin.com/Vietresults.htm
NO BUYER FEE. Shipping added. Usual guarantees; 30-day return. NY buyers pay sales tax. Bid by e-mail, phone, fax, whatever. STARTING BIDS in parentheses at end of each lot entry. (See lot 377 for opportunity to buy the whole collection.)
FRANK S. ROBINSON, Box 8600, ALBANY NY 12208, 518-482-2639, frank@fsrcoin.com (website http://www.fsrcoin.com)
This is my personal collection of nearly half a century. In many cases the coins are in exceptional condition, representing the best cherry-picked from large groups and hoards. (One hoard I had was about 15,000 mostly early pieces.) How to organize this often confusing material is always a challenge. For the earlier coins (before late 1700s) I will start off largely following the Toda reference (which seems to be the most comprehensive, chronological and logical) and secondarily Schjoth; then go on to coins not in Toda or Schjoth; and then the later ones mainly by Krause. I have tried to make the starting bids quite modest; the coins should be worth more.
REFERENCES:
T = Toda, Annam & its Minor Currency, reprinted by East Asia Journal (Bruce Smith) 1983, with his value estimates at that time. (Xerox copies available for $6.95)
S = Schjoth, Chinese Currency, Vietnamese coins listed as "Annam" illustrated on p.115-117
B = Barker, The Historical Cash Coins of Viet Nam, Part I, 2004. Covers "Official and Semi-official coins." No further parts have been published. Note, Barker typically lists numerous minor calligraphic varieties which I often ignore. His rarity ratings go from 10 (commonest) to 1 ("extremely scarce") with 5 additional "star" levels for the rarest coins.
N = Novak, A Working Aid for Collectors of Annamese Coins, organized by top character (xerox copies available for $7.95)
C = Craig numbers as utilized in Krause-Mishler standard catalogs
M = Miura Gosen "Annam Sempu" 1966-71, Japanese publication -- Vol 1 "Reki" (official coins), Vol. 2 "Terui" (coins grouped by calligraphic style), Vol 3 "Diasen" (other coins)
THE COINS (Note, since the coins have been photographed in groups, vagaries of focus and lighting mean some are not the best pictures. Please rely on my descriptions regarding quality.)
1. T1 ($50- note, the valuations in Toda are listed in parentheses like this), B1.6; Thai Binh Hung Bao, 970-79, rev "Dinh" at top. The first official Viet coin. F, 2-toned green patina, fully clear incl rev character. ($25)
2. T3 ($35), S1, B2, N39. Le Dai Hanh, 980-1005, "Li" at rev top. AF/F, a nice bold specimen with rev character fully clear, far above average for this. ($15)
3. T6, S3, B 4.1, Ly Thai Tong, 1028-55 (Barker Rarity 1 [lowest is 10], "Extremely scarce," average actual price $250); Nice VF with bold contrasty green patina, better than Barker's plate coin. ($65)
4. T7 ($35), S4, N37. Thien-phu, 1120-26; VF+, nice contrasty patina. Not in Barker. ($15)
5. -- Same but Yuan in Chinese style. Rare!! Good. Not in references. ($5)
6. T8 ($65), S5, B116. Dai Dinh, 1140-62. Choice VF-EF, dramatic 2-toned patina, rare and superb quality. ($30)
7. -- Same but ZINC, diff calligraphy, and clear crescent at rev right; probably a 1700s coin (found in a large group I had of other such issues), but not in references. AVF, minor edge irregularity or chip. Quite good condition for these usually rough zinc coins. Apparently extremely rare. ($25)
8. T13. S6, Cao Tong, 1176-1211, Choice VF-EF, strong contrast, excellent quality. ($10)
9. -- Same lgnd (Tri Binh Thong Bao) but very different calligraphy and a larger Zinc coin; crescent at rev rt; same comments as #7 above. VF and really excellent for a zinc coin. ($35)
10. -- Another but with dot & crescent; F-VF, tiny edge chip & a bit rough but well detailed. ($15)
11. T15, S7, B8.2 (Rarity 4, avg price $30), Tri Binh Nguyen Bao, 1205-10; EF, bold contrast, a beauty. ($20)
12. T16 ($25), Nguyen Phong Thong Bao, 1225-58, AVF, high contrast, very bold. Rare. ($12)
13. -- Same but diff calligraphy, especially top character in Viet seal style; not in Toda, S8, B13.2 (Rarity rating "STAR" (above 10), average price $450). Choice AEF, lovely highlighted patina, super quality. ($150)
13A. T17, S9, Nguyen Phong Thong Bao, 1251-58; Choice VF-EF, strong contrast. (Steve Album 9/09 list had an F-VF at $35) ($8)
14. -- Same but small size, 20 mm, and smaller neat calligraphy. The basic type is common, I've had many, but my note says "very rare variety, only one found." Choice EF, lovely contrast. ($20)
15. T18, Thieu phong binh hao, 1342-70, F, hilighted patina, nice. Not in Schjoth, Rare. ($15)
16. Similar, T19, S11, EF, lovely quality with dramatic contrast. (Steve Album 9/09 list had a VG-F $28) ($15)
17. -- Same but distinct small variety, 20 mm, compact calligraphy. Choice VF+, beautiful contrast. Very rare, the only example I ever found. ($15)
18. -- Another similar & very rare variety, slightly larger 21 mm & wide rim. Choice VF+, lovely two-toned coloration. ($15)
19. T20 ($250), Thieu phong Nguyen bao, 1225-58, Not in Schjoth, Choice VF-EF, lovely quality. ($50)
20. T21 ($80), S12, B21 (Rarity 3 & up, but doesn't quite match any of his many varieties); Dai Tri Thong Bao 1358-69, F+ green patina. ($35)
21. -- Same but B21.35 with dramatically different, flamboyant ("grassy script") calligraphy; Barker's rarity rating "star" = average price $450). Lovely AEF with dramatic contrast. ($150)
22. S13, B20.1 Dai Tri Thong Bao "Da Guan style," Barker Rarity 1 (average price $250); Choice F, contrasting green patina. ($65)
23. T24, S14, Pretender Yih Li, 1368-70, VF-EF, very nice contrast. Quite scarce, especially this nice ($15)
24. T26 ($40), B 118.2 (R4) S15 (large size 24 mm), Rebel Nguyen Bo 1381-82, VF+, green patina, tiny copper spots. (Much nicer than an F-VF sold for $91, Teutoburger 2/15). Rare. ($20)
25. -- Same but very diff variety more Viet in style (more like Toda's illustration), 21+ mm; Lovely VF-EF with strong contrast ($25)
26. -- Another variety, similar but larger size, 23 mm, somewhat different calligraphy. AVF, brown, faint bend. ($17)
27. T27 ($30), sim. S16-20, Rebel Su, 1391-92; F-VF, brown with strong earthen contrast. ($15)
28. T28, S20 (but Schjoth's picture too small), 21 mm; Rebel Su, 1391-92; Choice VF-EF, beautiful contrast. ($15)
29. T28 but top character in very different style, S16, Nice VF, highlighted patina. (Far better than an F-VF bringing $58, Teutoburger 2/15) ($15)
30. -- Same lgnd but very different, more Viet style. Close to N42b. This actually looks to be a Viet counterfeit of Chinese coin Schjoth-484. Choice VF+, well detailed. ($18)
31. T29, S20, Rebel Su, 1391-92;19 mm, actually very rare this small size. Choice VF, contrasting patina. ($15)
32. -- Var, 21 mm, and clear dot below right character. Not listed. VG+ ($10)
33. T30, S21, the Ho Rebellion 1402-07; Choice EF beauty, sharp & with great contrast. ($12)
34. -- Same but strong "doubled die," Barker actually lists this, 138.l, Ch. VF+, nice contrast. ($8)
35. -- Same but distinctive variety with unusual left character. Nice VF+, 2-toned mustard color. ($8)
36. -- Same but another distinctive variety, very different calligraphy, almost looks like a struck coin. Rare. VF ($5)
37. -- Another very distinct variety, 20+ mm with quite wide rims & small characters, very rare; 2-toned green patina. VF-EF ($10)
38. T34, S22, B123.1, Rebel Ho Han-thuong, 1403-07, rare, lovely EF with great surfaces & contrast. Rare. ($20)
39. T36, S23, B124.1, Rebel Ho Han-thuong, Highlighted brown patina, AEF ($15)
40. T42, S24, Li Loi, war of Independence, 1403-25, but Barker says Mac Dynasty 1592-1677. Very common coin but not in this quality: Superb EF, sharp, with lovely contrast. ($8)
41. -- Same but with rosette-shaped hole. Fairly common on Chinese cash, but not Vietnamese! F-VF, brown with a little green hilighting. ($3)
42. -- Same but downturned crescent above rev hole. Not listed. VF, brown, the rev quite weak, but crescent definitely there. ($5)
43. -- Same but variety with distinctive blocky calligraphy, N103E. Scarce. VF, nice contrast. ($4)
44. -- Same, Variety, smaller size, 19 mm. Rare. VF ($3)
45. -- Same, var with very wide rim & small characters. Rare. VF, brown ($3)
46. -- Same, very distinct variety with small slender characters. Rare. My envelope notes only 2 found in about 1000 of the type. Choice VF with dramatic contrast. ($5)
47. -- Variety with very unusual neat & diminutive calligraphy. Only one found in that 1000-piece hoard. VF, strong hilighting. ($5)
48. -- B52.1 variety, unusual squared calligraphy, very distinctive & quite rare. Only 2 found in that hoard. Incredible quality, very sharp EF with great surfaces & strong whiteish hilighting. ($20)
49. T43, S24, with roundish hole & also unusual calligraphy, large size 22+ mm. VF+, nice mustard color, minor flaw at rim. ($6)
50. T44 ($20), S25var, N67B, B125.1, Chin Phap Thong Bao, 1418-28; very rare variety of a rare coin; Choice VF, dark greenish-brown with strong hilighting. ($15)
51. T45 ($20), S26, Tri Thanh Nguyen Bao, G, brown, G fully clear. Rare. ($5)
52. T46, S27, another Li Loi issue, EF, brown with strong whiteish hilighting. ($6)
53. -- Variety, different calligraphy. N132? AVF, nice hilighting. ($3)
54. T51 ($45), S28. B29.3, Le Dynasty, Thuan Thien Nguyen Bao. 1428-33; Rare. Beautiful EF, brown with pale green hilighting. ($20)
55. T52, S29, B30.1, Thieu Binh Thong Bao, 1434-42; Choice VF+, brown patina with bold contrast, excellent quality for this. ($7)
56. -- Variety, B30.4, different style, Brown VF+. ($6)
57. T53 ($65), B31.3, Dai Bao Thong Bao, 1440-42, Choice VF, 2-toned green patina. ($22)
58. T54, S30, B32, Thai Hoa Thong Bao, 1443-53, Choice EF, lovely pale green hilighting. ($10)
59. -- Variety with wider rims, VF-EF, nice hilighting. ($8)
60. -- Same but Zinc, F-VF, fully clear, a bit of roughness. Very rare! ($12)
61. T55, S30, as last but smaller, Squared Thong, Choice AEF, strong hilighting. (Album 9/09 list had a F for $17) ($7)
62. -- Variety with rounded Thong, VF-EF, sharp, nice contrast. ($7)
63. -- Thai with dot (as Toda illus), VF, strong hilighting. ($5)
64. T56 ($18), S32, B33. Dien Ninh Thong Bao, 1454-59. I had a hoard of several hundred pieces all EF-as made. This is the one I chose as most beautiful for my collection. Ultimate quality. ($10)
65. T57, S33, B35.6 (Rarity 3, average price $55). Quang Thuan Thong Bao, 1460-69, Lovely choice EF, dramatic contrast. ($20)
66. -- Variety, small 23 mm, Choice AEF ($12)
67. T58, S34, B36.7, Hong Duc Thong Bao, 1470-97, Superb EF+, exceptionally sharp, lovely jadelike patina. ($20)
68. T59, S35, B37, Canh Thong Thong Bao, 1498-1504, Choice EF+, delicate hilighting, extremeky sharp. ($20)
69. T60 ($65), S36-37, B38, Doan Khanh Thong Bao, 1505-09, Perfect superb EF+, beautiful beyond belief. Rare too. ($35)
70. T61 ($20), S38, B39, Hong Thuan Thong Bao, 1510-16, Choice EF, very sharp with lovely highlighted pale green tone. ($15)
71. T62 ($180), B40.4 (Rarity 2, average value $130), Quang Thieu Thong Bao, 1517-22, Nice VF, highlighted olive-green patina. ($75)
72. T64 ($60), S39, B58, Nguyen Hoa Thong Bao 1533-48, Choice VF, hilighted patina, very nice for the grade. Rare. ($20)
73. T66 S40, B60, Vinh Tho Thong Bao, 1658-61, large 25 mm, AVF, actually unusually good condition for this type which usually comes only G. ($7)
74. T66, S41, 23 mm, F-VF, brown patina, again high grade for this ($6)
75. T67, S42A, F+, brown. ($5)
76. -- S42b, B60.36, 25 mm, AF, hilighted, again actually strong for these. ($4)
77. -- -- B60.38, AF, hilighted patina. Vertical nailmark at rev bottom. ($4)
78. -- -- B60.40 similar, F, pale green patina ($4)
79. T68 ($20) but ZINC, B62, Vinh Tri Thong Bao, 1675-89; VG, a bit crude & rough but clear. Rare. ($10)
80. T70 ($20) but ZINC, B65.2, Chanh Hoa Thong Bao, 1680-1705, crescent at rev rt. F, a bit crusty, full clear; sl flan crack Rare. NOTE-- After I made the photo when picked up the coin it broke in half! I have glued it back together. (reduced: $2)
81. T71 ($20), S45, B66.1, Vinh Thanh Thong Bao, 1705-19, rev much off-ctr; VG-F brown. ($7)
82. T73 ($20), S46, B66.2, Character "Chi" at rev left (clear), AVF, hilighting. Better than Barker plate coin. ($11)
83. -- Same but var with crescent at top, not listed; rev considerably off-ctr, "Chi" clear, the crescent a bit soft but unmistakeable. F+ brown with pale green hilighting. ($13)
84. T75 ($20), S47, B67.5, Bao Thai Thong Bap, 1720-29, rev dot & cres (the cresc obscured by flan flaw), AF brown. ($6)
EMPEROR CANH HUNG, 1740-87 (see #135):
85. T76, S50, B68.8, C1.3, Canh Hung Thong Bao; a very common coin, but this is the best I've found, really exceptional, sharp EF with attractive 2-toned pale green patina. ($5)
86. -- Calligraphy variety, B68.1 (NOTE: Barker lists over 50 varieties. I only collected ones where there is a significant obvious difference) AEF, sharp & nice with hilighted patina. ($4)
87. -- B68.5, F-VF, brown, nice. ($2)
88. -- B68.15, F, brown with some hilighting, minor graininess. ($2)
89. -- Same but clear DOT centered above rev hole (T78), VG-F a bit rough. ($2)
90. -- B68.23, VF, brown, well made & nice for these. ($3)
91. -- B68.29, F-VF, brown, sl roughness. ($2)
92. -- B68.33 ("Zhen" Bao) VF+, brown, well made & nice. ($3)
93. -- B68.40, "grassy simplified Bao," very unusual & distinctive, brown VF with hilighting. ($3)
94. T81, S54 var, B68.62, C1.5 (F=$9) "Naht" (one) below hole, F+, strong hilighting. ($4)
95. T84, S55, B68.59, "Kinh" above hole, C1.6e, brown VF, well made & very nice for these ($6)
96. -- Same but also dot below hole, B68.61, C1.6f, nice brown F+ ($4)
97. T87, S56, B68.66, C1.6c, "Trung" above hole, nice brown VF, well made. ($4)
98. T88, B68.77 (Rarity 4, average price $30), C1.6b, "Tai" at right, F/G rev weak. ($2)
99. T90, S62, B68.76, C1.6h, "Kung" below hole, F+, nice smooth brown surfaces. ($3)
100. T92 ($15), S57, B68.67, C1.6d, "Trung" below hole, brown VF-EF ($6)
101. T96 ($25), S60, B68.69, C1.6j, "Son Jay" on rev, pale brown VF+, unusually good ($8)
102. T97 ($30), S58, B68.58, C1.6i, "Son Nam" on rev, brown G/VG. ($2)
103. S61, B68.64 (Rarity 2, average price $130), rev "Bach" below hole, Not in T or Krause, VG-F, pale green with touch of roughness, rev character fully clear. ($30)
104. T100, S52, B68.37, C2, Canh Hung Thai Bao (Steve Album 9/09 had VG-F for $11), nice dark brown VF ($5)
105. T102, B68.48, S50 var, interesting calligraphy, VF-EF, nice hilighted patina. ($4)
106. T104, C1.2b, 4 crescents on rev, Brown AF, the crescents weak but definite. ($3)
107. T107, S48, B68.43, C1.1, seal script, lovely hilighted VF-EF, unusually nice. ($4)
108. -- B68.50, N267B, different calligraphy, nice hilighted F-VF ($2)
109. T108, C1.1a (VF $15), seal script, clear dot centered at rev top, not in Barker, brown VF ($5)
110. -- Same but dot BELOW hole, not listed, F, brown, hilighting. Seal script. ($3)
111. -- Same but clear dot at right, C1.3c (VF $15) but seal script, AVF, brown. ($4)
112. S49, B68.42, strong VF, brown with whiteish hilighting. Nail martk at rev left ($3)
113. As S51 and B68.35, but dot & crescent at rev top, unlisted, brown VG-F clear. ($4)
114. S51, B68.36, brown VF, appears to have partial character at rev top? ($3)
115. S51var, B68.49, C1.2, dark brown VF, hilighting. ($3)
116. S54, C1.5a, = at bottom, smooth brown VG-F with hilighting. ($2)
117. T111, S71, B69.1, C13.1 Canh Hung Chu Bao, brown EF, minor crudeness, characters fully sharp, large flan ($4)
118. T112, S72, B69.5, C14 (VF $18), simplified Bao, rare, brown VF with hilighting ($6)
119. T113, S74, B69.6, C13.2, clear dot at top, Nice AVF, brown with hilighting, well made ($4)
120. T114, S73, B69.9, C13.3, Numeral one at top, clear brown VG+ ($2)
121. -- Same but variety with fat shortened bar at rev top, brown VG-F ($2)
122. -- Same but variety with small short bar at top, brown F ($2)
123. T117 ($15), S68, B70.1 (Rarity 5), C11 (VF $18), Canh Hung Chinh Bao, brown AVF ($5)
124. T118, S67, B77.3, C3, Canh Hung Dai Bao, AVF sl roughness (Album 9/09 list had a VG-F for $12). ($3)
125. T120 ($15), S67var, as last but clear dot below Dai, not in Barker, VF, pale green patina with orangy hilights & minor roughness. ($5)
126. T121 ($15), S77, B75.1, C21, Canh Hung Trong Bao, VF, brown with pale green hilighting sl grainy. ($4)
127. -- Same but bottom of Trong very different with 3 prongs instead of flat base. Not in Barker or other refs. VG, green with earthen hilighting, unusual Trong fully clear. ($3)
128. -- B75.2, bottom character as on S51, brown F+, minimal roughness ($3)
129. T122, S63, B79.1, Canh Hung Thuan Bao, C15.1 (VF $16), choice VF with strong hilighting. ($6)
130. T123 ($15), S69, B72.1, C23, Canh Hung Tuyen Bao, but with clear dot at rev right, not listed VF+, brown ($6)
131. T124 ($15), S70, B76.2 (large flan, scarce), C17.1, Canh Hung Vinh Bao, brown AVF ($4)
132.
-- Same but distinctively different calligraphy, seems to have the
fabric of a later issue, not in Barker, VF ($5)
133. T129, S66, sim. B74.1, C19, Canh Hung Chi Bao, nice smooth brown F+. ($3)
134. S71var, B69.2 var, Canh Hung Chu Pao, clear crescent at rev bottom, not listed, brown F-VF ($5)
135. Bid on the entire Canh Hung collection, lots 85-134, 50 different coins (Starting bid $195; this is less than the total for all the lots (and certainly seems a pittance for the amount of collecting (and cataloging) effort that went into this), but you will have to exceed their total of individual bids.)
136. Canh Hung large coin, T144-45, Schroeder 72, 40 mm, rev dragon, nice smooth brown F/AVF, the rev well detailed. Definitely a genuine original coin; from a 1978 Jess Peters auction. (A VF sold for $483, Baldwin's 8/13) ($90)
137. -- large 60 dong, 46 mm, rev dragon etc, sim. T145-46; F, brown; appears to be a Viet war era copy. ($5)
Chieu-Thong, 1787-89:
138. T149, S79 (but much larger characters), C30.1, VF, sl rough casting ($3)
139. T150, S80, B80.6, C31.1 (VF=$16), "One" above hole, VF, smooth brassy brown, rev a little weak ($5)
140. T151, S81, B80.7, C31.1a, "One" below hole, VF, a bit roughly cast ($3)
141. T155 ($20, S84, as B80.13 (but not silver!), C31.3a, "Son" right, F, brassy. Rare. ($4)
142. T156, S79 var, B80.19 (Rarity 3, average price $55), C31.2, Thai below hole, G-VG, sl grainy brown, rev character weak but definite. Rare. ($3)
143. T157 ($20), S85, B80.14, C31.3, "Son" below hole, F, patchy tone. ($4)
144. T158 ($20), S82, B80.15, C31.4a, "Trung" below hole, AVF, brassy, sl patchy tone. ($4)
145. T160 ($20), S86, B80.8, C31.5, "Chinh" bottom (for Tonkin), nice VF. ($6)
146. T162 ($25), S83, B80.11, C31.6, rev "Son Nam," F+, a little crude. Rare. ($5)
147. B80.18 (Rarity 1, average price $250), Quang at rev right, not in other refs. RARE. Overall VG, brown with some hilighting, a little crude but obv characters have much detail, rev character somewhat weak but definite. ($20)
Other Early Coins:
148. T163 ($65), S87, B34.1. Thien Hung Thong Bao, 1459-60, Rare; Superb EF beauty, very sharp with strong hilighting. ($40)
149. T165, S88 var, B53.2. Thai Binh Thong Bao, Rebel issue 1509 (? According to Toda; Barker says maybe Mac Dynasty), brown VF. ($5)
150. -- Same but ZINC, VF, grey patina with whiteish hilighting, very nice for these and very rare, unlisted. ($25)
151. -- Same but crescent at rev right. Also ZINC. AF, crude but clear, with some crusty whiteish cover. Very rare. ($15)
152. -- Same but dot & crescent at right, also ZINC, F, sl encrustation, characters fully clear. ($17)
153. -- Same but crescent at top, also ZINC, VG-F, a bit crude & rough, teensy edge irregularity. ($13)
154. -- Same but dot left, crescent right, ZINC, VG-F, a bit rough & crude. ($13)
155. -- S88 var, B83.3, Thai Binh Thong Bao, 1725-38, dot above on rev (actually shaped like "5"), brown AVF, faint bend ($5)
156. T166, S89, B type 54, Thai Binh Thanh Bao (Toda: rebel issue 1509); VF+ strong hilighting. (Album 9/09 list had a F for $18). ($6)
157. -- Var, B54.2, distinctive neat calligraphy, Choice EF, dramatic hilighting. ($19)
158. -- Var with clear dot below right character as shown in Schjoth but not in Barker or Toda, rare; Nice bold highlighted F. ($4)
159. -- Var with clear dot at rev right, not listed, hilighted VF, nice. ($6)
160. S91, B83.5 (1725-38), 2 dots at rev top, hilighted AF ($4)
161. S92, B83.7 (but obv more like 83.5), stroke above rev hole, very crude & barely visible. Brown VG ($2)
162. S94 similar, rev stroke above hole and > below; Barker lists some similar varieties but not this one. G, brown, quite crude, a bit bendy, but rev quite clear. ($3)
163. T171 ($50), S95, B92.1 (scarcer "first style"), Min Duc Thong Bao, rev Van Tue; nice F/AF, good surfaces, 2-toned tan color. ($20)
164. T172 ($55), S96, B47, Dai Chinh Thong Bao, 1530-40, VF+, well made with lovely pale green hilighting. Rare. ($25)
165. T173 ($65, but larger), S97var, B48.2 (rarity 4), Quang Hoa Thong Bao, 1541-46. F+, nice hilighted green patina. Rare. ($30)
166. T174 ($65), S97, B48.3, smaller and very different style from above, Nice hilighted VF ($35)
167. T175 ($20), S98, B49.1, Vin Dinh Thong Bao, 1547, brown VG+. Scarce. ($6)
Listed in Toda as "Doubtful coins" (attribution-wise):
169. T245 ($30), N214 Thieu Thanh Nguyen Bao, rev Cheng at top. Choice VF, 2-toned tan, well made with good surfaces. Rare. ($18)
170. -- Similar but very diff style, Nguyen in Viet style seal script, not in refs, AVF, 2-toned green patina, very rare. ($20)
171. T247 ($30), N123, Minh Dinh Thong Bao, Choice VF+, very well made, nicely hilighted. (Steve Album 9/09 list had a VG-F for $40). ($25)
172. T248 ($30), N240A, Canh Nguyen Thong Bao, VF, small area of encrustation obv, otherwise lovely with pale green hilighting. (Album 9/09 list VF $45). ($22)
173. T249 ($30) but with rev rim, Canh Nguyen Thong Bao, F-VF, green patina. ($20)
174. T250 ($30), N284B Thanh Tong Nguyen Bao (copies China S-609), AVF ($15)
175. --Var, China S-608; N284A, Thanh Tong Nguyen Bao, LOT of 2 diff size varieties, one VF & one AF, brown ($20)
176. T251 ($30), N198, Can Nguyen Thong Bao, VG+, sl grainy, dark greenish. Rare. ($7)
177. T252 ($30), N286, Phuoc Binh Nguyen Bao, VG, sl rough rim. ($5)
178. T254 ($30), N172, Tuong Thong Nguyen Bao, AEF, nice hilighting. ($18)
179. T255, slightly smaller than above, EF, nice strong hilighting. ($20)
180. -- Var, N180A, unusual calligraphy, Choice VF+ with lovely hilighting. Only one found. ($15)
181. T256 ($30), N212, Thieu Phu Nguyen Bao, F-VF, brown with whiteish hilighting. ($10)
182. T257 ($30), N27, Nguyen Phu Thong Bao, Lovely EF with attractive hilighting, good surfaces. ($20)
183. T264 ($30), N32B, Thien Nguyen Thong Bao, Nice VF, strongly 2-toned green patina. Rare. Remember, these Toda valuations were done 36 years ago. ($15)
184. T268 ($30), China S-592 but actually Vietnamese, brown G-VG. ($4)
185. T269 ($30), N215, Thieu Thanh Binh Bao, Choice VF+, nice green hilighting. ($15)
186. -- Var, Thieu in running hand style like S11, very rare, VF, hilighting. ($15)
187. T270 ($30), N206, Thieu Tong Nguyen Bao, brown AVF, trace of graininess. ($9)
188. -- As above but very distinct cruder style, believed to be zinc-lead composition; Choice VF+ with nicely highlighted pale green & earthen patina. ($15)
189. T271 ($325!), B26.3 (Rarity 1, avg price $250), N201B, Thieu Nguyen Thong Bao; VG-F, a tiny bit rough but fully clear with hilighting. ($60)
190. T273 ($30), N188, Thuong Thanh Thong Bao. Choice EF, well made with nice hilighting. (Album 9/09 list had F-VF for $38). ($22)
191. -- Var., unusually small, 20 mm; AVF, strong hilighting. ($12)
192. T278 ($30), B57.1, N64F, Chinh Nguyen Thong Bao, G-VG, brown, small casting flaws. ($2)
193. -- Same but ZINC, unlisted, F-VF, much whiteish crusting, sm edge chip. Very rare. ($12)
194. T282 with crescent at rev right, but ZINC, F-VF, grey patina with earthen hilighting. ($15)
195. T284 ($30), N147B, Nice F, well made, 2-toned patina. Rare. ($18)
196. T286 ($30), N60, Thai Thanh Thong Bao, Choice VF+, bold pale green hilighting. ($15)
197. T289, N163A, ZINC, B65.2, Chinh Hoa Thong Bao, crescent at rev right, KM36 var ("rare," unpriced) VF, whiteish hilighting, quite well preserved for this. ($25)
198. T290, N163B, as above but crescent & dot, ZINC, VF-EF, some whiteish encrustration on rims, characters very sharp, outstanding quality. ($30)
199. -- Same but cresc at top & dot below (thus rev rotated 90 degrees); AF, clear, greenish-grey patina. ($15)
These neither in Toda nor Schjoth, listed in order by Novak numbers:
200. N4, Dai Binh Nguyen Bao, a very unusual looking and rare coin which Novak found only in Terui. Choice VF+, very nice specimen. ($25)
201. N26A, Nguyen Huu Thong Bao, AEF, very nice with strong hilighting. ($20)
202. N26B, diff style calligraphy, Choice VF, nicely hilighted. ($15)
203. -- Another variety, Huu like 26A & Thong like 26B, nice hlighted VF ($15)
204. N26C, diff script (copies China S-567); LOT of 3 distinct varieties, F-VF ($17)
205. -- Same but ZINC, G-VG, a little porous but clear. Very rare. ($7)
206. N31D, B13.2, Tran Thai Thong Bao (copies China S545), Barker rarity rating "star" = average price $450; also has a dot at rev bottom rim. Nice VF, lt brown with highlighting. ($90)
207. N36, Thien Khai Thong Bao, a nice neatly made coin, AVF, good medium brown surfaces. Rare! ($20)
208. N44G, B28.1-2 (Rarity 2, average price $130), Thien Khanh Thong Bao, 1426-28; Very nice VF-EF, excellent surfaces with hilighted pale olive patina. ($60)
209. N47E, Thien Si Thong Bao, (copies China S480), VF, brown patina. ($8)
210. N47B, diff script, very rare, copies China S479 which itself is quite rare. VG+, green hilighting. ($6)
211. N62, Huyen Chau Sun Bao, Novak wasn't sure of inscription, being hard to read, but on this example it is fully clear, very rare thus. Choice VF+, well made, brown ppatina with nice hilighting. ($25)
212. N68, B117.1, Chinh Long Nguyen Bao, 1163-73; VF, hilighted green patina, minor roughness but nice. ($13)
213. -- Variety wiith Vietnamese style Nguyen, probably much later, Choice VF-EF, dramatic contrast, lovely coin. ($20)
214. N71, Binh An Thong Bao, c.1592-99, rare, G ($4)
215. N88A, Vinh Lac Thong Bao, copies China S1166; rare, F-VF, nice hilighting. ($7)
216. N109B, Chi Nguyen Thong Bao, copies China S465; very rare, Novak found this only in Terui. Choice F-VF, well made, nice 2-toned tan surfaces. ($15)
217. N110C, Chi Dao Nguyen Bao, copies China S468. Rare. F, brown with hilighting. ($8)
218. N115, Loi Dong Thong Bao, ZINC, copies China S1335 but with crescent at rev right. Very rare. F+, very sl ragged edge, characters well detailed. ($17)
219. N116, Tong Nguyen Thong Bao, AVF, hilighted green patina. ($13)
220. N124, B5 (Rarity 4), Minh Dao Thong Bao, 1042-43, copies China S490, F, brown, hilighting. ($10)
221. N137, B43.1, Phat Phap Tang Bao, Rebel Tran Cao 1517; F, green patina. ($12)
222. N143A, Hoang Nguyen Thong Bao, VF, sage green patina with hilighting. (Album 9/09 list had a F-VF for $60). ($25)
223. N145B, Hoang Tong Thong Bao, copies China S496, F-VF, reddish brown, a trifle rough. ($5)
224. -- Smaller, very different style, VG+, sl grainy. ($2)
225. N157, Ham Binh Nguyen Bao, copies China S469, Choice EF, attractive strong hilighting, good surfaces. (Album 9/09 had a VG-F for $30) ($25)
226. -- Var., long "stem" on Binh, G, brown. ($1)
227. N163D, Chinh Hoa Thong Bao. Note, this is not like S44 or T289-90 cited by Novak. F+, well made coin, greenish-brown patina, nice. Rare. ($15)
228. N166, Tuyen Duc Thong Bao, F, dark patina, strong hilighting. ($10)
229. N180B, Tuong Nguyen Thong Bao. Rare, F ($7)
230. -- Var, diff style, especially top character. (M-Terui p. 33). AVF, attractive green patina. ($8)
231. N185, Tuong Phu Nguyen Bao, copies China S474, brown AVF. ($5)
232. -- similar but copies China S473. Choice VF-EF, dramatic contrast. ($10)
233. N185B but ZINC, G, very weak, grey patina. Rare!! ($9)
234. N186A, Tuong Phu Thong Bao, copies China S477, Choice VF+, brown with hilighting. ($7)
235. N186B, smaller characters, AF, contrasting patina. ($2)
236. N189, Chan Phap Nguyen Bao, Choice VF, well made distinctive coin, pale olive patina. Very rare! ($35)
237. N204, Thieu Binh Thanh Bao, AVF, highlighted dark sage green, very rare. ($10)
238. N211, Thieu Huu Nguyen Bao, VF, nice, highlighted patina. Very rare. ($15)
239. N221, Sung Trinh Thong Bao, copies China S1228, VF, highlighted green patina. ($4)
240. -- Same but copies S1226; VF, very sl edge crack. ($3)
241. N228A, Khai Nguyen Thong Bao, copies China S-312, LOT of 2 diff varieties, one G-VG, one VF, lt tan brown. ($4)
242. N228B, similar, G ($1)
243. N238, Thuan Tri Thong Bao, copies China S1395, VG-F ($3)
244. N248, Canh Duc Nguyen Bao, copies China S471, strong highlighted VG ($2)
245. Not listed, Nguyen Binh Thong Bao, ZINC, G-VG, crude & rough but identifiable. Very rare. ($10)
Additional coins copying Chinese:
246. As Posterior Chou, S414 etc, but with Cheng below rev hole. Very interesting & rare. VG-F ($20)
247. As S451, M-Terui p.85, F-VF, brown with hilighting. ($4)
248. As S465 (Not N109B -- very different, very distinctive style); M-Terui p. 84; VF, brown with hilighting. ($6)
249. -- Different variety, simplified characters, not in M, Nice bold AVF, two-toned brown. ($6)
250. As S469, M-Terui p.33, AEF, nice green patina. ($8)
251. -- Very different odd style, similar to M-Terui p.86 bottom. Nice 2-toned brown & green VF ($10)
252. -- Another different variety, smaller, M-Terui p. 91 bottom right. F+ nice green patina, ($3)
253. As S471, M-Terui p.22, VG, dark patina ($2)
254. As S473, M-Terui p.18, VF+, dark brown with hilighting. ($5)
255. -- Different variety, M-Terui p. 33, AF ($2)
256. As S474, VG+, dark patina ($2)
257. As S486, M-Terui p.80 top, VF ($4)
258. -- Very different style, brown AF ($3)
259. As S497, M-Terui p. 23, top, 2nd coin, brown VF ($6)
259A. As S497, M-Terui p.15 top, very different from above, VF, nice 2-toned green patina. ($6)
260. As S519, M-Terui p.26, Choice VF, excellent well-made coin, nice brown surfaces. ($10)
261. As S529, not in M, F, 2-toned pale green. ($3)
262. As S545, VG, hilighted pale green. ($2)
263. As S546, thin Vietnam-like coin, brown F ($2)
264. As S547, M-Terui p.23 top, VF brown. ($5)
265. As S547, M-Terui, p.90 #8, very distinctive style; Choice VF+, quite nice. ($7)
266. As S547, 3 more distinct, different varieties, clearly Vietnamese, average F ($7)
267. As S565, M-Terui p.82, VG ($2)
268. As S568, clearly Viet style brown F, cast hole ($2)
269. As S582, M-Terui, p.59 top, Choice VF-EF, very attractive with 2-toned tan surfaces. ($8)
270. -- Very similar, M-Terui, p.25, brown F-VF ($3)
271. As S586, smallish, looks Viet to me, F, olive-green with some hilighting. ($3)
272. -- Very different, clearly Viet style, F ($3)
273. -- Very different again, very distinctive Viet style, roundish hole, Choice VF-EF, excellent tan surfaces. ($10)
274. As S599, M-Terui p.25 top, AVF, brown, neatly made. ($5)
275. As S648-50, not in M, but Tung in odd style, very Viet looking. G brown. ($2)
276. As Southern Song S1001-10 (rev flat, no year), G, hilighting. Rare! ($2)
277. As S1083, Tartars, Viet style Yuan (Nguyen), G ($2)
278. As S1170, Ming Dynasty, small & clearly Viet style, hilighted brown AVF, rare. ($7)
279. As K'ang-hsi, LOT of 3 with diff mints, F-VF. ($6)
280. As S1480, Chien-lung Yunnan, F+, 2-toned tan. ($1)
281. As Tao-kuang, Kwangtung, F, sl grainy. ($1)
Later coins, generally by C number as catalogued in KM:
282. C34, Chinese invasion, 1789, obv Ch'ien-lung T'ung Pao (Can Long) with 2 characters for Annam on rev, T212, B98.1, VF, tan, obv nice, rev softly cast. Rare! (An F-VF realized $253, Album 1/12 auction.) ($80)
283. C36, T285, B85.1, Thien Minh Thong Bao, 1738-65, ZINC, (KM says "this coin may exist in Zinc"), Choice EF, strong whiteish hilighting, incredibly well preserved for a Zinc coin. Rare. ($30)
284. -- Variety with dot at rev rt, not in B, Choice EF with strong whiteish hilighting, even nicer than the last! ($35)
285. -- Variety with crescents above & at right, and a strong diagonal line at left. Not in B, crude VG-F. ($10)
286. -- Variety with dot left & crescent right; G-VG, characters have reasonable detail but much whiteish encrustation; rev fully clear. N34A. ($7)
287. Tayson Rebellion, 1778-93, C38.1, Large characters, B91.3, T177; AF, brown with hilighting. ($3)
288. -- Same but rosette shaped hole (rare!), AVF, hilighted olive-brown. ($6)
289. -- Small characters, B91.4, scarcer, AF, brassy with uneven tone. ($3)
290. C38.3, B91.8, Crescent at rev bottom. Small characters, F, tan-brown with green hilighting. ($5)
291. -- Variety with large crescent at rev top, not in refs; large characters. VF, nice green hilighting. ($9)
292. C38.3a, Dot above, crescent below, VF+, nice brown with green hilighting, rev fully clear. (VF cat $23.50) ($8)
293. -- Same but rosette shaped hole. Also has dot in cresc, as B91.6. F-VF, hilighted brown. ($6)
294. -- Same but crescent larger, nice AVF, brown with green hilighting. ($6)
295. C38.3c, crescent left, dot right, AVF, brown with green hilighting. ($6)
296. -- Variety with clear dot at right but no crescent, not in refs, VF, hilighting. ($9)
297. C38.3d, crescent left, VF, brown, nicely hilighted. ($8)
298. C38 variety with clear horizontal stroke at rev bottom, not in refs; small characers, VG+ ($5)
299. C39.1, Van Tue on rev, nice brown VF. (Much nicer than photo) ($8)
300. -- Same but rosette hole, F-VF, brown with lt green hilighting, a touch coarse. ($6)
301. Quang Trung, 1788-92, C41.1, B93.2, EF, olive-brown, unusually well made & sharp for this. ($5)
302. -- Variety with dot at rev left corner, very clear, as B93.15 (dot not clear), very broad rim, VF, nice green patina. ($4)
303. -- Var with sl obv ring, B93.21, VF, nice lt tan. ($3)
304. -- Unusual small size only 19 mm, AVF, tan. ($3)
305. C41.3, B93.28, 4 crescents on rev, AEF brown, uneven tone. (VF cat $15) ($6)
306. C41.3a, B93.31, 4 crescents but facing outward; EF, brown, nice ($8)
307. C41.5, Double rims both sides, VG-F brown, the double rims very clear. ($3)
308. -- rev has a circle equidistant between rim & hole, not in B; F, brown, shallow casting. ($4)
309. -- Clear double rim on rev only, nice VF+, pleasant olive patina. ($5)
310. C41.4a, 4 crescents & double rim on rev, VF (cat $18.50), somewhat uneven color. ($6)
311. As C41.6 but dot at top, not bottom, clear. G tan-brown. ($2)
312. Var with raised circle around rev hole, B93.22, rare, F, tan. ($4)
313. C43.2 Quang Trung Dai Bao, rare, F, a touch coarse. ($4)
314. C44.1, B93.24, Numeral One (horiz line) at rev top. (Note, not Dai Bao). VF, brown with pale green hilighting. ($5)
315. C44.1a, B93.25, scarcer, "One" at bottom, F-VF, tan-brown,. sl grainy. ($5)
316. C44.2 var, = at bottom, clear dot above, unlisted, not in B, F-VF, brown, rev bold. ($7)
317. C44.3a, B93.27, Cong below hole, F/VF, brown, sl grainy, rev quite bold. ($4)
318. C44.5, B93.3, "An Nam" on rev, note the fabric of this coin differs from other Quang Trung issues above, more neatly made. Rare. Choice VF+, hilighted brown. ($13)
319. Unlisted var, rev has dots at sides & bottom, not in B, VG/F, tan ($4)
320. 20 Van, large coin, CA205, 35 mm, sl crude VF, brown, unpriced in KM, its plate coin & mine appear to be exactly the same style, but I suspect both are later copies. ($5)
321. Canh Thinh, 1792-1800, C51.1, VF-EF, brown with nice hilighting. ($3)
322. -- Smaller var, 22 mm, B95.6, Nice VF-EF, tan. ($3)
323. -- Even smaller, 20 mm, C51.3 with double obv rim, VG, lt tan. ($2)
324. C51.2, double rev rim, VF (cat $16), brown, very sl bend ($4)
325. C51.5, 4 rev crescents, not in B, VF (cat $15), 2-toned tan. ($5)
326. Variety, crescents right & left, not in KM or B, small size 20 mm, VF, greenish-brown ($5)
327. Character (?) with vertical line at rev right, not in KM or B (unfortunately photo doesn't show it well), VG+ crude ($2)
328. Double sided, rev inverted, not in KM or B, rare, VG+, tan ($8)
329. Gia Long, 1802-20, C61.1 (KM169), B99.1, a full 26 mm & rare this large. Also seems to have a dot flush with rev rim at right. EF and choice, a very well made coin, smooth brown. ($5)
330. C61.2, B99.3, (KM169a), 22+ mm, Choice EF, greenish-brown, nice hilighting, excellent quality. ($4)
331. C61.3 (KM169.1), B99.4, Dot at rev right. Brown EF ($5)
332. -- Dot at rev left, actually an incuse circle, F, sl crude, medium tan. ($2)
333. C61.3b (KM170), double rim on obv, scarce, VG+, 2-toned tan. not in B. ($2)
334. C61.3c (KM171.1), B99.8, double rims, scarce, VG hilighted brown. ($2)
335. C61.4 (KM171.2), dot & crescent at rev right. not in B, VF (cat $20), yellow brass ($6)
336. C62 (KM173), B99.7, Luc Phan on rev, AEF, lt brown. ($6)
337. C63 (KM173a), B99.11, Zinc, That Phan on rev, Choice EF with luster, remarkable condition. Scarce, VF cat $25. ($15)
338. Minh Mang, 1820-41, C79 (KM182c) Zinc, B101.22, Choice EF, as made, lusterlike, exceptional quality for a zinc coin. ($12)
339. C81.1, KM182, Sharp EF, pale brown. ($3)
340. -- Clear dot centered above hole, obviously intentional & not a stray mold fault, not in refs, EF, tan-brown. ($6)
341. Pronounced double rim on rev, unusual, not in refs, brown VF, earthen hilighting. ($4)
342. C81.2, 23 mm, EF, brown with dramatic earthen hilighting, lovely quality. ($3)
343. -- Variety with clear dot centered above hole. 22+ mm. Unlisted. Brown VF ($3)
344. -- Three well-defined rev dots, right, left, & below, certainly intentional, unlisted, VF, brown with earthen hilighting. ($3)
345. C81.3, 21 mm, scarcer this size, VF+, hilighted brown, nice. ($2)
346. -- Even smaller var, only 20 mm, B101.17, brown VF. Rare. ($3)
347. Nung Rebellion, C138.1 (KM249), B113.2, double rev rim, VF (cat $35), strongly 2-toned tan, nice. Very scarce. ($15)
348. C139.2 (M252), B113.3, Xuong at rev rt, strong VF ($45), 2-toned tan. ($18)
349. Thieu Tri, 1841-47, C141.1 (KM253), 25 mm, EF, brassy pale brown. ($3)
350. -- 24 mm variety, lovely choice EF, well made coin with dramatic hilighting. ($4)
351. C141.2, 23 mm, KM253a, Choice VF+, nice hilighted brown. ($2)
352. Variety with clear dot centered right below hole, not in B; 24+ mm. VF ($3)
353. Tu Duc, 1848-83, C191, Zinc, KM378.1a (VF=$45), B103.11; nice VF, good quality for Zinc. ($15)
354. C192.1, KM383.1, Zinc, with Ha-Noi on rev, B103.10; VF (cat $250), 2-toned grey-greenish patina, very nice for zinc. Rev characters partly weak. Rare. ($75)
355. C201.2, 24+ mm, KM378.1, EF, brassy tan, nice. ($4)
356. C201.2, 21+ mm, KM378.2, nice VF-EF, 2-toned brown ($3)
357. C202, Luc Van on rev, 24+ mm, KM380, AEF/VF ($3)
358. C202.1, Luc Van, 23 mm, KM380a, VF+, strong whiteish hilighting. ($3)
359. C207.1, KM397a, 60 Van, 44 mm, EF, a few sl casting flaws, mold break on rev, tan-brown. Genuine! (Cat VF $175; a VF brought $161 + buyer fee, Aureo & Calico, 9/14) ($80)
360. C213, 60 Van, 8 characters around rev hole, 51 mm; VF+, medium brown, faint old file marks on rims as made. Genuine! Not in KM. These were commemorative issues, the rev characters being a verse of poetry. (A similiar type, of Thieu Tri, sold for $294, Album auction 1/15; no sale record found for one of Tu Duc.) ($90)
361. Dong Khanh, 1885-88, C301.1, KM606a, 24 mm, brown VF-EF, scarce (VF cat $16; Album 9/09 list had a F for $13) ($7)
362. C301.2, KM606, large 27 mm, B106.2 (Rarity 3), Choice VF (cat $65), two-toned brown patina, good surfaces & a well-made coin. Rare. ($25)
363. Thanh Thoi, 1889-1907, Y1, KM626, VF-EF, brown with sl hilighting, nice. Actually quite scarce with plain rev. (VF cat $12) ($6)
364. Y2, KM628, Thap Van on rev. Common coin but not like this: Choice EF with what appears to be red luster. ($4)
365. Duy Thanh, 1907-16, Y3, KM652, Choice EF, brown with sl hilighting, unusually well made & nice for this. ($3)
366. Khai Dinh, 1916-25, Y4, KM654, EF, brown, nice. Quite scarce. (VF cat $25) ($10)
367. Y5.1, KM655, N109.6, small characters, struck cash, nice AU with much luster, quite unusual grade. ($7)
368. -- Slightly different calligraphy variety, B109.5, F. ($2)
369. -- Another different variety, not in B, Nice VF+ ($4)
370. -- A very different style, also no rim on rev; this is rare. Not in B. EF. ($5)
371. Y5.2, KM656, also struck, much scarcer. KM says brass but this is clearly reddish copper; toned AU. Rare grade. ($8)
372. Bao Dai, 1926-45. Y6, struck small cash coin, nice F-VF, quite scarce. I paid $3.50 in early 1970s. ($5)
373. Y6a, KM661, plain rev, small characters, B110.6, VF. Scarce. ($5)
Note, these Bao Dai coins were the last cast cash ever issued in the world. Bao Dai who issued them lived until 1997.
374. -- Large characters, B110.5, scarcer, crude VF, sl casting flaws. ($5)
375. Y7, KM664, "10 Van" on rev, large characers, nice VF, hilighted patina. ($5)
376. -- Small characters, B110.4, scarcer, nice brown VF+ ($6)
377. Buy the entire collection of about 382 coins. Starting bid only $3975, which frankly seems like very little money for such a collection, which would be extremely difficult to assemble today. (Just cataloguing and photographing them here was a huge effort!) The total of starting bids for all the lots is actually $4463 (which is already cheap); however, to buy the whole thing, your bid will have to exceed those for all the lots.
Also:
379. Miura Gosen reference as described above, 3 volumes, appear to be good xerox copies (?) perfect-bound in softcovers, all in Japanese, around 150 pages. ($5)
380. Op den Velde, Netherlands, 2001, Cash Coin Index -- Part II -- The Cash Coins of Vietnam, apparently private publication not made generally available; includes, among other stuff, 80 plates with facing text matter, nicely organizing the entirety of Viet cash coinage, as complete as possible. About 200 pages in all. Added: Michael Mitchiner's listings of Vietnam coins (from his larger work), xerox copy, 11 pages. ($10)