Kingdom of Annam (Vietnam). King Minh Mang "Minh Mang Tong Bao". 7 Tien (Piastre) silver crown. Year 14. Scarce date. 1833 The first dragon dollar ever issued (predating the Japanese and Chinese Dragon Dollars). It was modeled after the Spanish Silver 8 Reales but lacking a modern mint, these coins were minted through the traditional casting method instead of being struck. However due care was placed on the quality of the issues and whilst the methods were old, the outputs were of extraordinary quality. King Minh Mang ruled Annam with a largely xenophobic administration at a time of heightened Western Colonialisation. Whilst refusing to adopt westernisation, he nonetheless was pragmatic about their technology and trade practices. Thus he was the first Oriental Kingdom to adopt a western coin standard using the Spanish Dollar which was then the defacto international trade currency standard. However whilst him and his successor attempted by choice the model, poor internal currency control and the impending French colonial ambitions halted much progress in these issues. Moreover, the common cast cash coinage circulated amongst the masses making such silver issues precious at the time for high denomination transactions. Thus they are very scarce if not rare.
