Annam, Nguyen Dynasty. A Special Decoration, II Class (Ngan Tien), c.1930

Emperor Bao Dai era (1926-1945). Constructed of silver gilt, a very scarce Special Decoration (Ngan Tien) with obverse displaying an ornamented etched heraldic Walking Dragon, the reverse with period lettering and protrude central sun, measuring 41.13 mm diameter, presenting minor gilt lost and toned silver, accompanied by delicate silk tassels in red, green, and aquarin colors with orange principal knot and connected by plastic balls, completed by a brown silk neck cordon for wearing with ends featuring knots and small tassels, missing one plastic connected ball, a rare later decoration in very good condition.

Footnote: 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. 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.