Lot #694: Thailand 1979 Five Baht Coin - Small Garuda - King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) - "Indra of Siam" - ๒๕๒๒ (Thai Year 2522 = 1979)

This Thailand 1979 Five Baht coin is an impressive, "heavyweight" coin featuring one of the most iconic symbols in Asian mythology. Issued during the long reign of King Rama IX, this coin is part of a series known for its unique "Clad" composition—essentially a copper sandwich between layers of nickel. Obverse: Features a formal portrait, facing left, of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), who was the world's longest-reigning monarch at the time of his passing in 2016. The Thai script translates to "Indra of Siam" (referencing the King as a divine protector) and "Rama IX." Reverse: Features the Garuda, a mythical bird-like creature from Hindu and Buddhist mythology. The Garuda is the national emblem of Thailand. On this specific 1979 version, the bird is known as the "Small Garuda" variety (compared to the larger version on the 1977 issue). The year is given as ๒๕๒๒. This is 2522 in the Thai Solar Calendar, which corresponds to the Gregorian year 1979. Lettering: "Thailand" and "5 Baht." This Thailand 1979 Five Baht coin has interesting Incuse Lettering with Thai text "stamped into" the edge, reading: "Ministry of Finance – The Mint, Treasury Department." This Thailand 1979 Five Baht coin is made of Copper-Nickel Clad Copper. If you look at the edge of this coin, you can see a distinct "sandwich" line where the red copper core meets the silvery nickel exterior. It remains a favorite for collectors due to the intricate Garuda design. Dimensions: Copper-Nickel Clad Copper. 30.0 mm 12.00 g (A very heavy coin!( Pickup category timeslot {A}