Reference
Note:
This coin (GCC, 2.828) fits the general style and fabric of Hartill’s ‘Small Copper – Distinct Calligraphy, Group 1. (“An Phap” type)’. It conforms to the common variety of 天聖元寶 (GCC, 2.828), with the 元 in seal script. Hartill has reviewed the various hypotheses for the chronology of An Phap-type coins advanced by Thierry and others. He proposes (GCC, p. 143) that they were manufactured in North Vietnam under the Mac between 1540 and 1590. This provisional dating has been followed here.
Reference
Thierry CMVS : Pages 13-14 and page 46, # 99 (no illustration provided)
Note:
Thierry (CMVS, p. 46, #99) lists a ‘regular style’ small-sized version of 天聖元寶 as inspired by the Tian Xi tong bao coin of Ren Zong of the Northern Song Dynasty (1023 – 1063). Unfortunately there is no image provided and the only reference to an illustration is in Annam Senpu Volume 2, which is hard to find. However on pages 13 and 14 he demolishes all arguments so far presented for assigning coins with this inscription to the rebel Pham Su On or to the Cham in the 14th century CE. They therefore remain unattributed private issues.
Reference
Thierry CMV : pp. 36-37, Plate 1, Figures 9 [not 8 as printed in error], 58, 60.
Note:
Thierry (CMV, pp 26-37) illustrated three small coins with the inscription 天聖元寶 which he initially attributed (CMV, pp 26-37) to the rebel Pham Su On (1391-1392). He later changed his mind in CMVS (pp 13-13) . All three of these coins have the Vietnamese-style seal script 元. However, the first of them is the closest in appearance, size and weight (21 mm, 1.43 g) to the HCR examples (58836, 58837, 58838, 58839).
