The first 1 dong coin issued by North Vietnam (Democratic Republic of Vietnam), 1946. The Democratic Republic of Vietnam declared its independence in 1945. The rather limited coinage included a 1 dong coin, which was supposed to correspond to the commonly used piastre. In reality the exchange rate was 40-50 dongs per piastre. A nice example with a good strike and clear details, of a coin that is often weakly struck. 1 dong, 1946. The obverse shows president Ho Chi Minh, the reverse shows rice stalks. Aluminium. Weight 4.6 g, diameter 32.5 mm. See images for correct impression.