French Indo-China Piastre de Commerce (Fantasy / Counterfeit piece, as genuine Piastres were minted from 1885 onwards)

French Indo-China · 1829 (Anachronistic date; series actually began in 1885)

A silver trade dollar featuring a seated Marianne holding a fasces on the obverse with the date 1829, and a wreathed inscription 'PIASTRE DE COMMERCE' on the reverse.

Country: French Indo-China
Year: 1829 (Anachronistic date; series actually began in 1885)
Denomination: 1 Piastre
Metal: Silver (.900 fine)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified October 6, 2026More french indo-china coins →

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Overview

A silver trade dollar featuring a seated Marianne holding a fasces on the obverse with the date 1829, and a wreathed inscription 'PIASTRE DE COMMERCE' on the reverse.

Historical significance

The French Indo-China Piastre was introduced to facilitate trade in French colonial holdings in Asia. However, the date 1829 on this piece is completely anachronistic as the series did not begin until 1885, indicating this is a fantasy piece or counterfeit.

Obverse (front)

Seated figure of Marianne wearing a radiant crown, holding a fasces in her right hand, resting her left arm on an anchor, with sheaves of wheat to the left, legend 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE', designer signature 'BARRE', and the date '1829'.

Reverse (back)

Text 'PIASTRE DE COMMERCE' centered within a wreath of grain, surrounded by the legend 'INDO-CHINE FRANCAISE', composition details 'TITRE 0.900 POIDS 27 GR.', and a mint mark 'A'.

Estimated value

$20 - $50 (melt value to low collector interest as a modern replica or fantasy piece)

What drives this coin's value

Precious metal content (silver melt value), historical curiosity, or novelty value as a replica/fake.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) details, but numismatically deemed a counterfeit or fantasy issue due to the impossible date.

Mintage & rarity

None for this specific date (Fantasy piece / modern counterfeit)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the date against known mintages (1829 does not exist for this series). Perform specific gravity and magnetic tests to verify silver content.

Notable varieties & errors

Anachronistic date mules and modern fantasy restrikes intended to deceive collectors.

Similar coins

Genuine French Indo-China Piastre de Commerce (1885-1928), Trade Dollars of other nations.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges with clean cotton gloves, store in a dry environment in an inert coin flip or capsule, and avoid cleaning to preserve any existing collector appeal.