Revered Buddhist Amulets: Exploring Luang Pu Plai's Legacy Coins

Luang Pu Plai Chantasaro was a renowned spiritual teacher at Kamphaeng Temple in Bangkok's Phraseung District, whose name became synonymous with the Bangkhuntian area for his work in agricultural development and preservation of Mon cultural traditions. His most celebrated amulets are the cast coins from 1935, created to commemorate his 75th birthday, produced in two designs: a shovel-shaped form and an egg-shaped form, both made from brass-mixed metal. The shovel-shaped coins are particularly prized, featuring a large loop handle on the front with an image of a seated meditation figure beneath an archway, and inscribed "Memorial 2478" on the back. These larger coins were distributed to men as protective talismans and were crafted under the supervision of Pum Onsap, who carved the molds and oversaw the casting process.

The article also discusses other significant amulets including the Phra Phutthbat Pilandhon Buddha footprint image in gateway-arch form, created by Prince Phutthbat Pilandhon (Tat Seneewong), a prominent disciple of Phra Phutthachan (Sod Prom Rangsi) of Rakkang Temple. These footprint amulets were produced in numerous designs and are highly collectible, with the gateway-arch version especially valued as one of the Five Sacred Companions set of powder amulets.

Additional amulets featured include commemorative coins from Luang Pu Dee of Wat Nua in Kanchanaburi, a renowned monk whose 2507 portrait coins were created by Somdet Phra Sangkharaj (Jarun Suwattano) to commemorate his elevation to higher monastic rank and his 91st birthday. The article also mentions amulets from Luang Pu Yongyutthh Thammagosalo of Khao Mai Daeng Temple in Chonburi, whose first-edition coins from 2516 are highly sought after by collectors.