French Protectorate, Annam. A Merit Medal for Ladies (Kim Boi) in Gold, 1st Class Badge, c.1925

Nguyễn Dynasty. (Khai Dinh). Instituted 1889. 1916 -1925 Issue. In Gold, weighing 14.9 grams, depicting ornate and stylized flora and fauna, measuring 49 mm (w) x 65.5 mm (h), with die-holes at the top and bottom for wear and suspension, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Boi (AKA Merit Medal for Ladies) was adopted in 1889 and usually produced in Gold (Kim Boi). It was the equivalent of the Khanh (AKA Order of the Golden Gong, issued to men) for presentation to notable females. Although it was intended for award in three classes, in fact, the Boi was only awarded in a single class.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.