World Coins - Asia, Middle-East & North Africa VIETNAM: NGUYEN DYNASTY: Thanh Thai, 1889-1907, AV kim khanh medal (14.53g), Sylvester-1/G/2, 72 x 42mm, Order of Kim Khánh 2nd Class, made with two pieces of repoussé gold, dai nam / hoang de sac tu // nhi hang kim khanh ("Bestowed by the Emperor of the Great South // Second Class Gold Gong"), flanked by two dragons among clouds, both facing a flaming pearl framed with curlicues, a lovely example with intricate details and fine craftsmanship, light hairlines, Unc, RR. Khánh, which means a ceremonial gong of pleasing sound, was the most prestigious award during the Nguyen Dynasty. It comprised four classes (Great, First, Second, and Third) and was sparingly bestowed to officials of distinction, who could be seen in old photographs wearing them in the middle of their chest on important occasions. One example was even awarded to the President of France in 1875. Due to the hefty cost of production, the imperial court began issuing only a brevet in 1912, leaving the recipient to purchase their own medal. The French manufacturer M. Delande, for instance, priced the gilt silver first class kim khánh medal at 225 francs in his 1938 catalog. In 1957, the Order of Kim Khanh was resurrected under President Ngo Dinh Diem as the second-ranking civilian decoration, with a new design of a scholars scrolls.
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