Watch List notes:

THAILAND. Nickel 1/2 Baht Pattern, ND (1868). Rama V. NGC MS-65.
KM-Pn26; Coinage of Siam-A018-10. Rich details abound and nearly pop from the fields, providing a visual treat for the viewer. Evidently cherished by previous owners, this example displays no real evidence of contact, and the reserved luster provides a handsome and warm glow. Die polishing is still seen in the fields, with it being particularly strong on the reverse. As a prior member of the Norman Jacobs collection, this piece also allows the chance to add one's name to an illustrious and historical piece.

Of the highest RARITY, this example is a somewhat eclectic and obscure issue with very little information known about its production. Emanating from the beginning of the reign of Rama V, this piece closely follows the coinage of his predecessor, Rama IV, rather faithfully. Dating from an interesting time in Siam's history, as under the rule of Rama IV, Siam underwent rapid modernization. This modernization rendered the old Thai bullet money in circulation too cumbersome for use, and this led to the introduction of "flat coins" in 1860, after minting machinery had been secured from England. As with the old bullet money, counterfeiting ran rampant despite the official punishment being "60 lashes and amputation of both hands that made them incapable of holding a hammer and forceps, and then life imprisonment." Perhaps these pieces were produced in an attempt to trial coinage production with more refined striking standards, though it is certain these pieces were produced in England. Whatever the case may be, this example provides an EXTREMELY RARE offering, certain to appeal to the specialists in Thai coinage.

Ex. Norman Jacobs Collection.

Estimate: $3000 - $5000