The 19th Century Vietnam Tael Silver “Banana Bar” is a distinctive and culturally important form of bullion that circulated widely throughout Vietnam during a period of active regional trade. Cast in high-purity silver and shaped into a gently curved, elongated form, these bars earned the nickname “banana bars” and became a trusted medium of exchange as well as a reliable store of wealth. Local assayers frequently produced them by melting down a mix of high-grade foreign coins—most commonly Spanish and Mexican 8 reales—alongside other regional bullion.

Because of this practice, genuine examples typically test between 95–98% purity. Each bar’s individually cast character, subtle surface variations, and occasional assayer marks provide clues to its origin and circulation.

Weight: 381 grams