Thailand (1864) 4 baht
This specimen was lot 51365 in Stack's Bowers Hong Kong auction (Hong Kong, April 2021), where it sold for $31,200. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Rama IV Commemorative Tamlung. THAILAND. 4 Baht (Tamlung), ND (1864). Rama IV. NGC Unc Details--Cleaned. Struck to commemorate Rama IV's 60th birthday. The obverse depicts the standard design as found on regular circulation issues of this era. The reverse displays the central inscription "Kingdom of Siam" within a cubed star frame with the Chinese inscription around "Cheng Ming Tung Pao" (Negotiable Currency of Cheng Ming). The devices are boldly struck with good definition of the fine details, both sides show evidence of being cleaned long ago now slightly subdued by a thin layer of tone with richer coloration near the rims, the reverse does exhibit several minor disturbances in the fields and surface marks mentioned for the sake of accuracy. Despite its shortcoming this is a handsome example of this ever popular type in fairly high graded sure to be a welcome addition to the next collection it enters. It is believed that these pieces were never released for circulation and were struck for presentation to important Thai and Chinese citizens. According to Kann, the reason for a Chinese inscription was that Siam still admitted China's suzerainty over its country at this time. While Thailand still retained its domestic autonomy, China remained in control of certain affairs."
This type was also struck in gold.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 60.40 g, 0.900 fine silver, plain edge.
Catalog reference: K-pp. 332-3, pl. 139; KM-YA12; SSC-pl. IX#2a/b; LeMay-pg. 94, pl. XXII#1.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The April 2021 Hong Kong Auction, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2021.
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