ANNAM, Nguyen Dynasty, Emperor Bao Dai era. A Special Decoration (Kim Tien), I class

(Sapèque d'Honneur, 1re classe) Circular silver-gilt medal on laterally-pierced ball suspension; the face with a circular central medallion bearing Chinese characters within a border of Annamese dragons and stylised clouds; the reverse with a flaming sun centrally surrounded by six roundels, each bearing a Chinese character, all within a beaded border; diameter 36mm (1.42 inches); on original ribbon with marks of French-style mouting.

The Special Coinage Decoration (Tien) was an ancient Annamese award, revived and reformed by Emperor Minh Mang (reigned 1820-1841).  Originally worn suspended by a cord, later examples had European style suspension, as in this example.

The Decoration was awarded in three classes, first class (Kim Tien) in gold, second class (Ngan Tien) in silver and third class (Dong Tien), also in silver.

The Decoration was abolished in 1945.