Thailand issued its first silver commemorative, and only silver 20 Baht coin, in 1963 to celebrate the 36th birthday of the popular King Rama IX, also known as Bhumibol Adulyadej. I tell you this because of two very significant milestones in Thai (and world) coin history: One King Rama IX became the leader of Thailand on June 9, 1946. His coronation was celebrated May 5, 1950. He is still head of state making him the longest serving Head of State in the world. He will have reigned 64 years on June 9, 2010. He is 82 years old. Although Bhumibol is referred to as King Rama IX in English, the name "Rama" is never used in Thai. The name is used to approximate Ratchakal ti Kao, literally "the Ninth Reign". More commonly, Thais refer to him as Nai Luang or Phra Chao Yu Hua: ("the King" or "Lord Upon our Heads"). He is also called Chao Chiwit ("Lord of Life").Formally, he would be referred to as Phrabat Somdej Phra Chao Yu Hua or, in legal documents, Phrabat Somdej Phra Paraminthara Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej. Two He was credited with facilitating Thailand's transition to democracy in the 1990s. After Leading Thailand into becoming a Democratic Autonomy he has withstood 15 coups including two military attempts in 1981 and 1985, 16 constitutions and 27 changes of prime ministers. If you'd like to see a photo of King Rama IX (Bhumibol) click here (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bhumibol_2003.jpg Now to the 1963 20 Baht coin. The obverse pictures King Rama IX in military uniform (as do most Thai coins). The reverse features the royal crown and emblem divided by crossed scepter and spears. The 34.5mm coin is struck in .750 fine silver and contains 0.4726 troy ounces of silver (photo courtesy of World Coin Gallery): http://worldcoingallery.com/countri...ama IX&src=Vic Krysko&query=Thailand birthday As a bonus for reading this article here are other Thailand coins commemorating King Rama IX 's birthdays (photos courtesy of World Coin Gallery): 1963 One Baht (Copper-Nickel) 36th birthday of King Rama IX Though photo text doesn't read birthday, it is: http://worldcoingallery.com/countri...963) 36 yrs King Rama IX &query=Thailand y 85 In 1987 King Rama IX turned 60. Thailand celebrated the occasion with this 22mm Copper-Nickel clad Copper Two Baht. Notice reverse features a crown surrounded by glory (radiant crown): http://worldcoingallery.com/countri... 60th Kings Birthday &query=Thailand Birthday Thailand honored King Rama IX's 64th birthday with this 1992 22mm copper-Nickel clad Copper Two Baht featuring conjoined busts on obverse and two crowned monograms on reverse. Special celebration for King Rama IX for equaling his grandfather's lifespan. http://worldcoingallery.com/countri...ngs Birthday 64 &query=Thailand King Birthday This "birthday" commemorative takes us back in time to 1977, King Rama's 50th birthday. It's a 29.5mm Copper-Nickel clad Copper Five Baht coin featuring a single crowned monogram on its reverse: http://worldcoingallery.com/countri...977) Kings 50th birthday&query=Thailand y 120 1987 ushered in another Five Baht birthday coin as King Rama IX reached the age of 60. This commemorative Five Baht is a bit larger (6mm more measuring 30mm) though its composition is still Copper-Nickel clad Copper. The reverse design was changed to a crowned emblem surrounded by glory (lightning bolts): http://worldcoingallery.com/countri...t (1987) 60 yrs Rama IX &query=Thailand y 195 King Rama IX's 60th birthday was also commemorated in 1987 with a 32mm Nickel Ten Baht coin with same designs as the Five Baht. 500,000 struck for circulation and another 5,000 proofs for collectors: http://worldcoingallery.com/countri... 60th Brithday Rama IX&query=Thailand Rama IX In 1992 during the King's 64th birthday 550,000 32mm Copper-Nickel Ten Baht were minted for circulation and another 3,711 proofs were coined with the same designs as the 1992 Two Baht: http://worldcoingallery.com/countri... Kings 64th Birthday &query=Thailand Birthday If you've kept the numbers in your head you know King Rama IX turned 75 in 2002. A 26mm Bimetallic Brass Center within a Copper-Nickel Ring Ten Baht was struck to commemorate the occasion bearing a radiant crown on the reverse: http://worldcoingallery.com/countri... Kings 64th Birthday &query=Thailand Birthday If the King became 75 in 2002, you know he reached 80 in 2007 and another commemorative Ten Baht probably was struck. Yes! And here's a photo: http://worldcoingallery.com/countri...s 80th Birthday &query=Thailand King Birthday Note the only Thai King's birthday commerative circulation coin containing any silver, we found so far, was that first 20 Baht coin issued in 1963. No other Thailand circulation coin contains any silver except that 1963 20 Baht. There are more silver birthday commemorative coins in higher denominations, but they were minted only for collectors (NCLT). Did you enjoy this article? Clinker
An excellent article Clinker. How did you come to be so knowledgeable on Thai coins? Just an additional piece of info: The 1977 issue is particularly interesting because there were two five baht coins. The difference is in the (Thai) wording to the right of the king’s profile “PRATHET THAI” (y#120 - the coin illustrated on the link) and “SIAM MINTA” (y#121). The second one having a low mintage of 40,000.Oh and as almost everybody in Thailand concurs "Long Live the King".
Hello thavic My knowledge of Thai coins came about as I researched the subject, but actually the reason I'm addressing you is to "thank" you for reading and contributing your knowledge to this post. I appreciate it very much and hope, if you see any mistakes in my articles, you'll relate the correct information, changes or additional input needed... Clinker
