MSI633

PAIR OF SILVER COIN EAR PLUGS (TUNNELS) – FRENCH INDOCHINA COINS (1921 & 1922) – HANDCRAFTED IN LAOS

Historic Coin Jewelry | One-of-a-Kind Pair

Period & Origin

Coins: 1921 & 1922 – French Indochina
Conversion: Mid–late 20th century
Workshop origin: Laos

Description

A distinctive pair of ear plugs (tunnels) crafted from original French Indochina silver coins, dated 1921 and 1922. These coins circulated widely across present-day Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the colonial period and were later repurposed into body jewelry earring plugs by local silversmiths.

Each coin retains the classic image of Marianne (seated Liberty)—a symbol of the French Republic—while the reverse inscription confirms the alloy standard:
“INDO-CHINE FRANÇAISE – TITRE 0.680 – POIDS 5 GR.”

This indicates a 68% silver content, typical of colonial trade coinage intended for durability in circulation rather than high-purity silverwork.

The transformation into ear plugs likely occurred post-circulation, when such coins lost monetary function but retained intrinsic metal and symbolic value. This practice reflects a broader Southeast Asian tradition of recycling coinage into personal adornment, merging economic history with cultural identity.

Cultural Attribution

Most consistent with Lao Loum or Tai Lue silversmith traditions, where coin jewelry appears in both lowland and upland contexts.
Alternatively, Hmong craftsmen in Laos–Vietnam border regions are also known for adapting colonial coins into wearable forms, particularly plugs and pendants.

Construction

The coins have been carefully drilled and fitted with flared tubular inserts (5 mm gauge), allowing use in stretched earlobes while preserving the full coin faces.

Notably, the pair is not perfectly identical:
– One plug features a soldered tube
– The other shows a hammer-set tube

This variation is typical of hand-fabricated tribal work and reinforces authenticity rather than uniformity.

Measurements

1921 Coin Plug
– Diameter: 25 mm
– Gauge: 5 mm
– Back flare: 10 mm
– Length: 9 mm
– Weight: 5.19 g

1922 Coin Plug
– Diameter: 25 mm
– Gauge: 5 mm
– Back flare: 8 mm
– Length: 9 mm
– Weight: 5.28 g

Condition

Very good overall condition.
Intact with attractive aged patina and light wear from use.
All inscriptions and imagery remain clearly visible.

Sold as a pair