Rare Luang Pho Yai Coin Attracts Collectors in Phetchabun
The article describes the historic Luang Pho Yai Buddha image at Wat Tal in Phetchabun, its legendary origins, and the rare Khuan Thung million‑baht amulet coin minted in 1973 to fund a new vihara. The coin, blessed by the renowned monk Luang Pho Thob, is prized by collectors for its spiritual power and scarcity. Both the statue and the coin remain objects of veneration and local pride.
In 2516 BE (1973 CE), the monastic committee and temple authorities created a series of Luang Pho Yai amulets, including the famous 'Khuang Thung Million' coin. The coin is a round stamped piece, 3 centimeters in diameter with a double rim, surrounded by dot motifs. Its obverse shows Luang Pho Yai seated on a pedestal; above the head is the inscription 'Khuang Thung' and below the base reads 'Luang Pho Yai Wat Tal, Lam Kao District, Phetchabun Province'. The reverse features characters encircling a money bag containing the number 1,250,000, with the word 'Na Setthi' on the bag’s mouth and the year 2516 underneath. Approximately 5,000 coins were minted to raise funds for a new vihara to house Luang Pho Yai. The coins were blessed by Luang Pho Thob Dhammapanno (formerly Phra Kru Witthipacharajarn of Wat Phutthabat Chana Daen, Chana Daen district), who was residing at Wat Chang Phueak in Mueang district at the time. Believers consider the coin to possess strong Buddhist power, bringing mercy, popularity, prosperous trade, and protection from danger. Because of its rarity—especially those individually blessed by Luang Pho Thob—owners rarely part with them, keeping them for personal worship or as heirlooms for future generations.
