In Search of Thai Coins: A Trip to Bangkok

The main goal of the trip to Bangkok was to expand my collection of commemorative coins of Thailand. The primary task was to fill the first volume of a specialized album for these coins as much as possible, which I managed to accomplish almost one hundred percent.

The search took place on one of Bangkok's streets, well-known among numismatists. Here, you can find both brick-and-mortar shops and street vendors offering a wide range of coins and banknotes.

Where to Look for Coins: Shops and Street Markets

One of the key places to buy coins is the 'L. KIM GUAN' shop. It's a well-known spot worth visiting, and it's a good idea to contact the owner, Chris, in advance to check the availability of the specimens you're interested in. Inside, the shop offers a rich selection of coins, including Thai bimetallic ones, as well as banknotes and stamps.

Besides the shops, you can also find private traders on the street. For example, just 50 meters from the shop, there is a stall where you can also find interesting coins and sets. However, you should be prepared for the peculiarities of street trading.

When dealing with street vendors, it's advisable to write down the quoted prices, as bargaining can be very active. Sometimes during the haggling process, you might encounter unexpected offers unrelated to numismatics, which adds to the local flavor.

Filling the Album: An Overview of Commemorative Series

The main focus was on filling the first volume of the 'Coins of Thailand' album from the 'Kollektsioner' publishing house. This volume covers commemorative coins of various denominations.

At the beginning of the search, the pages for the one and two-baht coins were already completely full. The main gaps in the collection were in the 5 and 10 baht denominations, as well as the bimetallic 10 baht coins. The search was primarily focused on these.

Key Finds: The Rarest Coins of Thailand

Among the purchases were several particularly rare and valuable specimens. These coins are distinguished by their low mintage, making them a desirable acquisition for collectors. Such coins include issues dedicated to the Boy Scouts and the National Tree Years.

One of the most expensive commemorative copper-nickel coins of Thailand is the 10 baht from 1986, 'National Tree Years.' It was not easy to find, but eventually, the coin was acquired in perfect condition.

The cost of these coins in Russia can reach several thousand rubles, whereas buying them directly in Thailand allows for significant savings.

Other Acquisitions: From Regular Issues to New Releases

In addition to the commemorative series, other interesting specimens were also found. For example, a 10 satang coin from 1957 made of bronze was acquired, which differs from the more common brass version.

A set of regular issue coins from 2018 featuring the portrait of the new king was also purchased. Of particular value in this set are the three aluminum satangs, which are difficult to find in circulation as they are mainly issued in sets.

Among the new releases, it's worth noting the first commemorative coin with the new King Rama X. This is a 20 baht coin issued in 2019. It has the standard size for commemorative issues (32 mm in diameter) and weight (15 grams), making it an excellent addition to the collection.

Variety of Designs: Copper-Nickel Coins

A significant portion of the acquisitions consisted of copper-nickel coins with a denomination of 10 baht. These coins are notable for their large size, a weight of 15 grams, and a diameter of 32 mm, reminiscent of Soviet commemorative rubles.

The design of these coins is very diverse and beautiful. They are dedicated to various events: anniversaries of universities, government buildings, and commemorative dates related to the royal family. Each coin is a small piece of art, showcasing high-quality minting.