Rian Phra Kaew Morakot (Nur Thong Daeng) • BE 2475
150th Rattanakosin Anniversary • Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaew), Bangkok
Sacred copper (Nur Thong Daeng) medallion issued for the 150th Rattanakosin Anniversary (BE 2475 / 1932 CE) by Thailand’s supreme royal temple.
Provenance & Historical Significance
Produced in BE 2475 (1932 CE) to mark the sesquicentennial of the Rattanakosin era (Bangkok established in BE 2325 / 1782 CE), the Rian Phra Kaew Morakot stands as a high-water mark in Thai Buddhist numismatics. The issue coincided with a pivotal national transition under Rama VII (King Prajadhipok), and its creation at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaew) underscores continuity of royal Buddhist tradition amidst political change.
The obverse reveres the Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew Morakot)—palladium of the kingdom—elevating this medal beyond commemoration into the realm of numinous royal devotional art.
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Obverse: the Emerald Buddha in crisp relief typical of royal workshop standards in the early 1930s.
Wat Phra Kaew — Supreme Royal Chapel
Situated within the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew functions as the royal chapel rather than a residential monastery, housing the kingdom’s most sacred image. Sacred objects issued here are regarded as bearing extraordinary ritual authority given proximity to the Emerald Buddha and continuous royal rites.
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Reverse: commemorative legends/temple marks; rich copper toning from nine decades of natural oxidation.
Materials, Craftsmanship & Technical Specs
| Type | Rian (Commemorative Medallion) |
| Primary Material | Nur Thong Daeng (sacred copper alloy) |
| Method | Precision die-struck / lost-wax casting with hand finish |
| Obverse / Reverse | Emerald Buddha in relief / Commemorative inscriptions & royal chapel marks |
| Consecration | BE 2475 (1932 CE) — 150th Rattanakosin Anniversary rites |
| Issuing Authority | Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaew), Grand Palace |
| Age (as of 2025) | 93 years |
| Preservation | Excellent; original copper patina, period surfaces |
| SKU | TAC-RPKM-2475-SESQUI |
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Profile view showing relief depth and characteristic period edge preparation.
Purpose, Veneration & Traditional Attributes
Issued to memorialize a national milestone, the medal also served as a devotional conduit to the Emerald Buddha for lay faithful. Within traditional Thai belief, such pieces are associated with:
Kongkrapan Chatri — comprehensive protection & evasion of dangers.
Maha Amnaj — dignified authority/command associated with royal palladium.
Metta Maha Niyom • Choke Lap — goodwill, favor, and auspicious fortune.
Cultural/ritual attributions are presented for context in Thai Buddhist material culture and are not scientific claims. Individual experiences vary.
Rarity Assessment & Collector Significance
Royal Chapel Provenance: Wat Phra Kaew issues are premier class.
Historic Date (BE 2475 / 1932): Sesquicentennial year; documentary value.
Iconography: Emerald Buddha subject commands heightened demand.
Age & Survival: 93 years; genuine patina and period surfaces decisive.
Authentication: Beware later copies; verify alloy, legends, relief, and wear congruence.
Consecration Context
Empowered within the royal sesquicentennial rites at Wat Phra Kaew, with phutthaphisek chanting before the Emerald Buddha and assembly blessings by senior Sangha—an exceptional ritual milieu for a commemorative rian.
Conclusion
Uniting royal provenance, historic date, and the kingdom’s palladium iconography, the Rian Phra Kaew Morakot (BE 2475) is a cornerstone piece for collectors of Thai royal devotional medals and a potent emblem of Rattanakosin heritage.
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Disclaimer: Information provided is for cultural and academic appreciation. Certification supports provenance but should be complemented by independent expert assessment.