Thieu Tri gold 5 Tien ND (1841-1847) AU58 NGC, KM341, Schr-279, S&H-3.5.2.1. Instantly captivating for both its large size and intricate details, this "poetic" type of Thieu Tri sheds a light on the internal political program of the monarch, carrying the Confucian verses "The precious stone khuyet and the cinnabar in a thousand years are transformed into very pure gold transmissible to ten thousand generations. Thus we recognize merit and we highlight virtuous men, because wisdom alone is precious"--which refers to the practice of inscribing written texts onto stone using a piece of cinnabar. While meant to evoke Thieu Tri's attachment to religious principles, wisdom, and the traditional foundations of the Nguyen dynasty, these verses, alongside the propitious images of five planets, five clouds, and the sun and moon, led many to be misused in jewelry and as amulets. As a consequence, very few specimens survive in any sort of meaningful or comparatively 'original' condition. Although a very slight degree of handling is noted on this piece in line with the assigned grade, the offering on the whole presents a markedly lustrous appearance, the devices sharply finished and accented by traces of reddish tone. Ex. Heritage Auction #3030 (January 2014, Lot 23011)

HID09801242017

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