The French Indochina 20-cent 1937 coin lets you hold a small piece of history right in your hands from a political entity that no longer exists. The French Indochina coin represents an era when Vietnam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Laos were placed in partnership following the war between France and early Thailand (Siam), or the Franco-Siamese War, from 1893 to 1954. This area of Southeast Asia was a French colonial federation that included three Vietnamese territories named Tonkin in the north, Annam in the center, and Cochinchina in the south. Present-day Cambodia was added to create French Indochina in 1887. Laos was added by France in 1893 and the Chinese territory Guangzhouwan in 1898. Today, the same area on the map contains Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, all of which are independent countries. History of the area continued through World War II, with France allied with the United States, British, and Chinese but against the Japanese. Nonetheless, France's power was relinquished to Japan during the war when Japanese troops overthrew the colonial government. Unrest continued when in 1941 the communist Viet Minh revolted against the Japanese. By 1945, the Viet Minh troops and movement led by Ho Chi Minh were successful. Vietnamese independence was declared by the Viet Minh, and the First Indochina War was declared against France. In 1949, independence was given to Saigon, which was the anti-communist State of Vietnam led by Bao Dai, former emperor. Laos and Cambodia gained their independence in 1953 and in 1954 French Indochina came to an end when the French evacuated Vietnam after the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. This coin, minted by the French government, weighs 5.4 grams and boasts an actual silver weight (ASW) of 0.1181 ounces. The obverse of the coin features the full figure of Lady Liberty dressed in her Greek robes, holding a scepter and wearing her spiked crown. She sits above the date, while the words “Republique Francaise” are written above. On the reverse side you will see the coin's denomination of “20 cents” framed by a wreath and “Indo-Chine Francaise, Titre 0.680 Poids 5GR.4” inscribed around the edge. One of the most interesting and debatable features of the French Indochina 20-cent coin, whether it was minted in 1937 or during another year, is the so-called “tail” of Lady Liberty. Many amateur collectors have formed theories about the meaning of the tail and whether it was intentional or possibly meant as a hidden message. If you look closely at the obverse of the coin, you will see just behind the thick folds of her robes what appears to be a pointed tail curling up from her clothes. Perhaps, most surprisingly of all, it is believed to be a classic representation of the westernized demon. Of course, the “tail” conspiracy is really just a misunderstanding of the coin's delicate filigree. In fact, the tail is one half of a large sea anchor that is mostly covered by Lady Liberty's robe and chair. Closer inspection should reveal part of the anchor's main shaft, thus explaining the curious phenomenon. The French Indochina 20-cent piece is just one of a collection of coins that range in denomination as well as true silver weight and composition. The series contains 20-cent, 10-cent and 50-cent pieces.The entire set was minted between the years of 1885 and 1946. The 20-cent Indochina coins minted in 1895, 1896, and 1909 are particularly valuable, although the entire range is considered highly collectible.