First-Edition Amulets of Four Revered Thai Monks Detailed for Collectors
A collector's column details the first-edition amulets of four celebrated Thai monk masters: Luang Pu Chaeng of Wat Pradu (Samut Songkhram), Luang Pu Dun of Wat Buraparam (Surin), Luang Pho Suang of Wat Chi Pa Khao (Sing Buri), and Luang Pho Noi of Wat Thammasala (Nakhon Pathom). The article describes each amulet's design, materials, casting history, and rarity, serving as a reference for devotees and numismatists of Thai Buddhist sacred objects.
The article profiles first-edition amulets from four renowned Thai monk masters. Luang Pu Chaeng Punyanantho of Wat Pradu (Samut Songkhram) had primarily created talismanic takrut during his lifetime; his first coins were cast in bronze before 1957 by famous guru monks of that era. The egg-shaped pieces bear his half-portrait in robes with Thai inscription 'Luang Pho Chaeng Wat Pradu' on the obverse and sacred yantra with an unalome on the reverse.
Luang Pu Dun Atulo of Wat Buraparam (Surin), an Isan vipassana master, issued a 90th birthday commemorative coin in 1977 in gold, silver, and bronze. The egg-shaped amulet shows his half-portrait with his Pali title on the front, and a central ceremonial fan motif with 'Wat Buraparam Surin' and '90th Anniversary' on the reverse.
Luang Pho Suang Aphayo of Wat Chi Pa Khao (Sing Buri) created rare small phra prot amulets around 1955 using ancient formulas he studied, empowering each individually. Only about 200 were made, depicting a full Buddha in meditation on a lotus base, with a smooth reverse. Most remain with his close circle and relatives.
Luang Pho Noi Inthasaro of Wat Thammasala (Nakhon Pathom) issued his first sam huang coin in 1953 in bronze alloy. The obverse bears his name in Tham script with a kranok border and his half-portrait; the reverse features a napathamang yantra with a raised central line. It is noted for a distinctive 'cat hair' line crossing the coin and is considered exceptionally rare.
