Hao Coin: Vietnam 1/10 Dong Fractional Currency

Illustrated Specimen Details: Hao

Example Specimen: 1 hao, 1976 — Socialist Republic of Vietnam

This aluminum coin was issued following the reunification of the country. The obverse features the name of the central bank NGÂN HÀNG NHÀ NƯỚC VIỆT NAM (State Bank of Vietnam) and the denomination with the date: 1 HÀO - 1976.

The reverse displays the National Emblem of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. It features a central star representing the five social classes, a gear wheel, and a wreath of grain, symbolizing the union of agriculture and industry. The inscription below reads VIỆT NAM.

1. NORTH VIETNAM (1946) + SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM (1976): 1 hao = 1/10 Vietnamese dong = 10 xu

Etymology: The coin name hao (hào) is a loanword from the Chinese háo (Chinese: 毫), meaning a tenth of a currency unit. Before the 1963 metric transition, it was also used in the traditional Vietnam currency system as a unit of weight and length.

Historical Overview of the Hao

The hào is a fractional monetary unit used in the traditional and modern currency system of Vietnam, representing a subdivision of the đồng. It reflects the long-standing influence of Chinese-derived numerical terminology in Vietnamese monetary practice. Introduced in the mid-20th century as part of the modernization of Vietnam’s monetary system, it replaced earlier colonial and regional currencies.

The Modern Decimal System

In the modern decimal system, the currency structure is defined as:

• 1 đồng = 10 hào = 100 xu

Therefore, 1 hào = 1/10 đồng. Unlike the xu (1/100), the hào occupies an intermediate position, similar to a "dime" in Western decimal systems. This structure represents a non-standard decimal subdivision within a three-tier system (đồng-hào-xu). It reflects East Asian monetary traditions, where multiple fractional levels were historically maintained even after the adoption of decimal frameworks.

Denominations and Materials

Coins denominated in hào were issued in the 20th century, particularly after monetary reforms in North Vietnam and later unified Vietnam. Typical denominations included 1, 2, and 5 hào. Early issues were struck in aluminum and were very lightweight, reflecting both economic conditions and the low value of the denomination. Later, after the reunification of Vietnam, additional issues were produced for the unified Vietnamese đồng, often also in aluminum or low-cost base metals.

Physically, hào coins are small and simple in design. They typically feature the national emblem of Vietnam, the denomination in numerals and Vietnamese script, agricultural motifs, and minimal decorative elements. Due to their small size and low value, the coins were used mainly for minor everyday transactions when purchasing power was higher.

Inflation and Numismatic Status

Over time, prolonged inflation significantly reduced the practical use of the hào, and the very low purchasing power of small units caused coins of this denomination to effectively disappear from circulation. Today, although the hào remains an official subdivision of the đồng, it is no longer used in daily transactions, and even accounting usage is rare. Transactions in modern Vietnam are conducted almost exclusively in whole đồng amounts.

For collectors, hào coins represent a short-lived but distinct series within modern Vietnamese numismatics, illustrating the transition from colonial systems to a unified national currency and the impact of inflation on small denominations. These modern coins are generally common, but complete sets — especially from earlier reform periods — can be of great interest. Due to their lightweight composition, many surviving examples show wear or damage.