Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker have taken us on quite the journey regarding Whitman Publishing’s 100 Greatest Modern World Coins. We have learned a lot about the world and about coins, and we are psyched at the chance to keep learning. Continuing throughout the series, our next entry gives us a glimpse into European involvement in Vietnam. With easy access via naval shipping lanes, Vietnam has always been subject to European engagement, even dating back all the way to the early 1600s. With engagement came the need for coinage that would reflect such happenings, and that coinage happens to be increasingly collectible.
#62 – French Indochina 1931 Piastre Essai Set
In the early 1600s, Jesuit Catholic missionaries from France arrived in Vietnam, establishing an ongoing trade relationship. However, over time, French religious authorities would become involved in the region’s politics. By the 19th century, their involvement became a source of resentment for Vietnam.
Feeling threatened by Vietnamese nationalists for imperial control, France would take military action to rule over more territory. Their war efforts against China were victorious to control the north, and by 1885, France controlled Vietnam completely. With their neighbor Cambodia already a French protectorate, the colony of French Indochina was created in 1887. The next 50 years would see sporadic conflict with other countries in that region as the French would lay claim to more and more territory in their effort to reclaim land that was once lost in previous wars. They would also overpower multiple rebellions that occurred throughout the colony, that is, until World War II.
France would struggle during the Second World War to maintain their control of its empire. Japan invaded French Indochina, lasting only four days. Authors Morgan and Hubert feel it is important to note that during this time as well, Germany was occupying France. After World War II, France was steadfast in their attempt to reclaim its former colonies and in doing so, they fought a two-front war against both the Viet Minh and the Chinese to gain Indochina. The French would ask the United States for help, and they would in 1954. Help from the United States would help get the French out, but they were never able to reclaim everything they once had before the war. The next 20 years would see France slowly relinquish its control in its pursuit of land in other parts of the world.
Courtesy of the Geneva Agreements on July 20, 1954, French Indochina would be no more. The document would outline the “cessation of hostilities and foreign involvement in the country, divided Vietnam into northern and southern zones, and ultimately called for a national election.” The southern delegation, which was also backed by the United States, felt the agreement lacked free elections under the communist system in the north. Because of this, it would take 20 more years filled with violence to resolve matters.
Designed by French engraver Edmond-Émile Lindauer, the obverse of the coins featured the head of Liberty facing left wearing a pileus cap and crown. EM. LINDAUER appears below the bust while REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE is seen around the edge of the design. The reverse reads 1 PIASTRE in the center with an ornate shape around it. On some versions, ESSAI appears above the date towards the bottom of the enclosed design, and in others it appears below the quatrefoil.