19th Century Vietnam Tael Silver Banana Bar (349 grams)
The 19th Century Vietnam Tael Silver “Banana Bar” is a distinctive and culturally important form of bullion that circulated widely throughout Vietnam during a period of active regional trade. Cast in high-purity silver and shaped into a gently curved, elongated form, these bars earned the nickname “banana bars” and became a trusted medium of exchange as well as a reliable store of wealth. Local assayers frequently produced them by melting down a mix of high-grade foreign coins—most commonly Spanish and Mexican 8 reales—alongside other regional bullion.
Because of this practice, genuine examples typically test between 95–98% purity. Each bar’s individually cast character, subtle surface variations, and occasional assayer marks provide clues to its origin and circulation.
Weight: 349 grams
Original: $1,100.00
-65%$1,100.00
$385.00Product Information
Product Information
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Description
The 19th Century Vietnam Tael Silver “Banana Bar” is a distinctive and culturally important form of bullion that circulated widely throughout Vietnam during a period of active regional trade. Cast in high-purity silver and shaped into a gently curved, elongated form, these bars earned the nickname “banana bars” and became a trusted medium of exchange as well as a reliable store of wealth. Local assayers frequently produced them by melting down a mix of high-grade foreign coins—most commonly Spanish and Mexican 8 reales—alongside other regional bullion.
Because of this practice, genuine examples typically test between 95–98% purity. Each bar’s individually cast character, subtle surface variations, and occasional assayer marks provide clues to its origin and circulation.
Weight: 349 grams
