Buddhist Amulet Circles – The First Edition Coin of Luang Pu Haem from Wat Sri Wa Boriburn Pisai, Surin Province
Luang Pu Haem of Surin Province created rare first-edition coins in 1987 as sacred Buddhist amulets, now highly valued by devotees for their distinctive alpaca metal design and limited distribution of just 5,000 pieces.
"Association with those of unequal conduct brings hardship," a spiritual reflection from Luang Pho Cha Subhaddo of Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani. Phra Kru Choti Watrimol, known as Luang Pu Haem Thammacho of Wat Sri Wa Boriburn Pisai (Wat Ban Jarphat) in Sai Khram District, Surin Province, was a renowned venerable teacher who created multiple sacred objects. His most celebrated work is the "first edition coin" cast in 1987, with 5,000 pieces distributed to disciples and military and police personnel along the border. The coin features a Siamese-style design in alpaca metal, displaying a seated meditation image on the obverse with the monk's name inscribed below, while the reverse bears a three-pointed fan amulet with the temple's details inscribed underneath. These amulets have become highly popular among devotees due to their distinctive qualities, commanding considerable prices and remaining rare today.
Retracing to 2014, Luang Pho Mian Kammano, abbot of Wat Ja Niang Wanarama in Buriram Province, created the "Phra Kring Chinbanchorn Conqueror of Demons" amulet to generate revenue for temple maintenance. The bell-shaped amulet features encoded numbers and was consecrated on October 28, 2014, becoming highly sought after.
Phra Kru Niwat Thammakhan, known as Luang Pho Doem Putthaso of Wat Nong Pho in Phichit Province, venerated as the deity of Sikhio, created numerous sacred objects including dancing figurines, lions, yantra cloth talismans, and amulets. His most celebrated work is the "1939 edition coin," an oval amulet featuring a full-bodied meditation image seated on inverted and upright lotus pedestals, with "Age 80, 60th Buddhist Era" inscribed below. The reverse displays a five-pointed yantra with Khmer script and the year 1939, making it a legendary and highly coveted amulet.
Luang Pho Pan Sonanto of Wat Bang Nom Kho in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, a respected master, first created sacred amulets around 1907 in various styles. In 1917, he developed the second edition with improved designs, divided into six main styles: rooster, garuda, hanuman, fish, ant, and bird forms. The rooster style became the most popular, featuring a rectangular fired-clay design with beveled corners, embossed Khmer script on the sides representing the opening verse of the Tripitaka, and a rooster design supporting the base on the reverse—a classic form that remains highly valued in amulet circles to this day.
