Monks' Amulet Circle: Luang Pu Eiam Teacher Coins
Monks across Thailand have commissioned rare amulet coins honoring their birthdays and achievements, with pieces from abbots at Wat Don Khwang, Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, and Wat Pa Phrom Viharn becoming highly sought-after collectibles among d
"Whenever we see something, we must also see its faults. Thinking this way keeps our minds from wavering." – A dharma teaching from Luang Pho Cha Subhatto of Wat Nong Pa Phong, Ubon Ratchathani. In 2016, Phra Kru Uthai Buankij, known as Luang Pho Tee Pavaro, abbot of Wat Don Khwang in Uthai Thani province, a student of Luang Pho Thong Suk of Wat Saphan Sung, completed 72 years of age (six cycles of 12 years). To honor devotees who participated in his birthday merit-making ceremony, he commissioned the "Luang Pu Eiam Teacher Coin" in silver, niello inlay, and copper with gold plating. The coin is rectangular in shape with a raised figure of Buddha in relief at the center, bearing the numeral 9 in Thai script and the name "Luang Pu Eiam" below. The reverse side features a Khmer yantra with sacred Khmer characters encircling "Nametta" (loving-kindness), with "Teacher 2559" inscribed below—a relatively rare piece.
The "Phra Kandharaasadtr Amulet Coin" from Wat Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom is highly sought after. Created by Luang Pho Chot Thammapachotiko, a former abbot, using ancient casting techniques with metal alloy, the inverted oval-shaped coin features peacock designs carved on both front and back. The front center displays a Buddha image standing in a rain-calling posture, with the right hand raised to shoulder level in a summoning gesture and the left hand extended downward with palm facing up to receive water. The reverse bears a Khmer script yantra, making it an antique piece of great aesthetic and collector value.
"Phra Wichisara Sophon," or Luang Pho Chul Isaranyo, former abbot of Wat Hong Thong in Kamphaengphet and former district abbot, commissioned numerous amulets. The most popular is the "First Likeness Coin, Wat Hong Thong, Kamphaengphet, B.E. 2499." Rectangular in shape with a loop, it is made of copper with gold plating. The front shows a seated Buddha in full meditation posture, with an inscription below reading "In commemoration of the gift-giving ceremony for Phra Kru Vikrom Wichisara on March 30, B.E. 2499." The reverse bears a script yantra and remains a popular collectible.
"Phra Kru Khem Sarsudi" or Luang Pu Sai Khemmathamo, abbot of Wat Pa Phrom Viharn in Nong Bua Lamphu province, created notable amulets, particularly the "Raindrop Coin B.E. 2536." Without a loop, the front depicts a full Buddha in meditation, with "Series 1" inscribed below and "Luang Pu Sai Khemmathamo" below that. The reverse shows Buddhist requisites—a begging bowl, water vessel, and broom—with "Wat Pa Phrom Viharn" above and the inscription "Nonsan District, Udon Thani Province" below (created during the period when Nonsan was an Ampur in Udon Thani). This coin remains highly sought after and treasured.
