Buddhist Amulet Collectors Showcase Rare Monk Coins
Collectors prize rare Buddhist amulet coins from Thailand's revered monks, including first-edition pieces from 1919 cast as funeral merit tokens and commemorative coins created to fund temple projects across central and northeastern Thailan
A spiritual teaching warns that clinging to things causes suffering, introducing a feature on rare Buddhist amulets cherished by collectors. Luang Pho Ama, the first abbot of Wat Ketu Noi Ampawan in Ratchaburi, gained widespread renown in the early Rama V period. His first-edition amulet coins, cast in 1919 as funeral merit-making tokens, are oval-shaped with ancient loop fittings and bear Khmer script identifying him as Isiditinno. Despite being stationary coins, they remain highly popular among collectors.
Wat Prachasamamakkhitham received permission to create commemoration coins for Luang Pu Prapai Akkhathamma, former abbot of Wat Pa Sri Prapai Vanaram in Nakhon Phanom, in 2016. The oval coins with loop fittings feature his image and help fund the Phon Sawaeng Stupa. The reverse displays the stupa amid rays of light with celestial figures, bearing inscriptions commemorating its construction.
Luang Pho Thob Thammapañño of Wat Phra Phutthbat Chondaen in Phetchabun is honored by residents through his rare 94th anniversary coins cast in 1974 by villagers led by Luang Pho Boon of Wat Bosat Phothitong. These three-centimeter oval coins feature his half-length image on the obverse and a five-pointed yantra on the reverse.
Luang Pho Rung Kangkasuvanno, former abbot of Wat Nong Si Nuan in Nakhon Sawan, was commemorated through the Golden Elephant amulet coins created in 1979. The distinctive corn-kernel shaped coins feature his image and an elephant walking majestically on the reverse, making them must-haves for serious amulet collectors.
