French Indochina 1939 5 cents

Sincona sale 80, lot 2432

This specimen was lot 2432 in Sincona sale 80 (Zürich, October 2022), where it sold for 120 CHF (about US$144 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted, "FRANCE | Französisch Indochina, 5 Cent 1939, Paris. NGC MS68." This type was struck in Paris 1938-39. This date is common in all grades. French Indochina was occupied by the Japanese in 1940. French attempts to reoccupy the area after World War Two were challenged by Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh, leading to French defeat and withdrawal in 1954. The colony was divided into Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

Recorded mintage: 38,501,000.

Specification: 4 g, nickel-brass, 24 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: KM 18.1a, Lecompte 121.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• Gadoury, Victor, and George Cousinié, Monnaies Coloniales Françaises, 1670-1988, 2me Éd., Monaco: Éditions Victor Gadoury, 1988.
• ^[1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 80, World Coins and Medals, SINCONA Bullion Auction, World Banknotes, Coins and Medals from Switzerland, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2022.

Link to:

• 1938 5 cents copper-nickel
• 1938 5 cents nickel-brass
• 1939 ½ cent
• 1939-A cent
• 1939 10 cents
• 1939 20 cents
• 1943 5 cents
• Coins and currency dated 1939