Four Chinese characters - Canh Thong Thong Bao / Blank. 25mm, 4.32 grams. Issued 1498-1503. Hartill 25.18; Vietnamese Coins (2002) #135.

Type with the dot of "Thong" connected to the "shui" radical, squat characters. 

The coins of the Vietnamese Kings imitated Chinese coins. The official issues were often heavier than the Chinese coins and with somewhat cruder calligraphy. Many local imitative issues circulated along with the official coins. This large copper coin is an official issue coin. Le Hien Tong (ruled 1497 - 1504). Prince Le Tang, the eldest of Le Thanh Tong's 14 sons, succeeded his father as Le Hien Tong. He was 38 years old at the time of his father's death. He was an affable, meek and mild-mannered person. Due to his short period of rule and the fact that he didn't pass many significant reforms, his reign is considered to be an extension of Le Thanh Tong's rule.