Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
April 2021 Hong Kong Auction 5-8 Apr 2021
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
THAILAND. 4 Baht (Tamlung), ND (1864). Rama IV. NGC MS-61+.
K-pp. 332-3, pl. 139; KM-Y-A12; SSC-pl. IX#2a/b; LeMay-pg. 94, pl. XXII#1. Struck to commemorate Rama IV's 60th birthday. The obverse depicts the standard design as found on regular circulation issues of this era, while the reverse displays the central inscription "Kingdom of Siam" within a cubed star frame along with the Chinese inscription around "Cheng Ming Tung Pao" (Negotiable Currency of Cheng Ming). The finest graded by NGC, with a deep gray cabinet tone and charming eye appeal. VERY RARE and supremely enticing. This massive silver issue boasts a bold even strike, well-defined motifs and trivial sign of handling consistent for the grade primarily contained to the high points. The rich old cabinet patina and minor earthen deposits in the crevasses of the obverse offers much originality. Lovely shades of light gray to slate patina highlight the design features adding to its pleasing appearance and overall desirability. A type that appears on the market with some frequency in EF-AU conditions usually showing signs of maltreatment, but is seldom available in this high state of preservation. This attractive commemorative issue, far nicer than normally encountered, is destined for a fine cabinet of the discerning collector.
K-pp. 332-3, pl. 139; KM-Y-A12; SSC-pl. IX#2a/b; LeMay-pg. 94, pl. XXII#1. Struck to commemorate Rama IV's 60th birthday. The obverse depicts the standard design as found on regular circulation issues of this era, while the reverse displays the central inscription "Kingdom of Siam" within a cubed star frame along with the Chinese inscription around "Cheng Ming Tung Pao" (Negotiable Currency of Cheng Ming). The finest graded by NGC, with a deep gray cabinet tone and charming eye appeal. VERY RARE and supremely enticing. This massive silver issue boasts a bold even strike, well-defined motifs and trivial sign of handling consistent for the grade primarily contained to the high points. The rich old cabinet patina and minor earthen deposits in the crevasses of the obverse offers much originality. Lovely shades of light gray to slate patina highlight the design features adding to its pleasing appearance and overall desirability. A type that appears on the market with some frequency in EF-AU conditions usually showing signs of maltreatment, but is seldom available in this high state of preservation. This attractive commemorative issue, far nicer than normally encountered, is destined for a fine cabinet of the discerning collector.
It is believed that these pieces were never released for circulation and were struck for presentation to important Thai and Chinese citizens. According to Kann, the reason for a Chinese inscription was that Siam still admitted China's suzerainty over its country at this time. While Thailand still retained its domestic autonomy, China remained in control of certain affairs.
Estimate: $40000.00- $50000.00