Digital museum showcasing the collection of worldwide legends over the years! 千古不朽博物館展示多年來收藏的世界傳奇故事!
Nguyen Dynasty
Minh Mang Tongbao
Emperor Minh Mang
(Privately Minted Version 3)
阮朝
明命帝
明命通寶
(私鑄三版)
Item number: A3163
Year: AD 1820-1841
Material: Bronze
Size: 20.7 x 20.2 x 0.2 mm
Weight: 0.85 g
Provenance: Spink 2023
This is a “Minh Mang Tongbao” bronze coin minted during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang (AD 1820–1841) of the Nguyễn Dynasty in Vietnam. The inscription follows the traditional practise of using the era name for coinage.
The coin features a square-holed design influenced by traditional Chinese cash coins. The upper edge of the coin exhibits damage or breakage. The obverse bears the four Chinese characters “明命通寶” (Minh Mang Tongbao), inscribed in the traditional top-bottom-right-left sequence. The reverse side is plain, with no inscriptions or decorative elements.
During the reign of Emperor Minh Mang, Vietnam reached its historical peak in terms of territorial expansion, conquering territories that are now part of Cambodia and Laos, among others. However, conflicts also arose with neighbouring regional power Siam (now Thailand). Concurrently, Minh Mang faced rebellions from Catholics within his country. In response, he ordered the execution of French missionaries, which contributed to his image in France as a tyrant.