Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 50 Satang 1987-2008, Y# 203, Thailand, Rama IX
  • 50 Satang 1987-2008, Y# 203, Thailand, Rama IX
Description

Bhumibol Adulyadej (1927–2016), conferred with the title King Bhumibol the Great in 1987, was the ninth monarch of Thailand from the Chakri dynasty as Rama IX. Reigning since 9 June 1946 he was, at the time of his death, the world's longest-reigning head of state, the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history and the longest-reigning monarch having reigned only as an adult, reigning for 70 years, 126 days. During his reign, he was served by a total of 30 prime ministers.

Obverse

Bespectacled bust of H.M. King Rama IX facing 1/2 left, surrounded by the inscription "King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand".

Engraver: Wuthichai Saengngoen

ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช รัชกาลที่๙

Reverse

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep surrounded by the year and value.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a Theravada Buddhist temple (wat) in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The temple is often referred to as "Doi Suthep" although this is actually the name of the mountain where it's located. It is a sacred site to many Thai people. The temple is 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the city of Chiang Mai.

According to legend, a monk named Sumanathera from the Sukhothai Kingdom had a dream. In this vision he was told to go to Pang Cha and look for a relic. Sumanathera ventured to Pang Cha and found a bone. Many claim it was Gautama Buddha's shoulder bone. The relic displayed magical powers: it glowed, it was able to vanish, it could move and replicate itself. Sumanathera took the relic to King Dhammaraja, who ruled Sukhothai. The eager Dhammaraja made offerings and hosted a ceremony when Sumanathera arrived. However, the relic displayed no abnormal characteristics, and the king, doubtful of the relic's authenticity, told Sumanathera to keep it.

King Nu Naone of Lan Na heard of the relic and bade the monk to bring it to him. In 1368, with Dharmmaraja's permission, Sumanathera took the relic to what is now Lamphun, in northern Thailand. Once there, the relic broke into two pieces. The smaller piece was enshrined at a temple in Suandok. The other piece was placed by the king on the back of a white elephant which was released into the jungle. The elephant is said to have climbed up Doi Suthep, at that time called Doi Aoy Chang (Sugar Elephant Mountain), stopped, trumpeted three times, then dropped dead. This was interpreted as an omen. King Nu Naone immediately ordered the construction of a temple at the site.

Engraver: Paithoon Na Chiangmai

ประเทศไทย พ.ศ.๒๕๓๘
๕๐ 50
สตางค์

Edge
Characteristics
Material Aluminium Bronze
Weight 2.4 g
Diameter 18 mm
Thickness 1.35 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Royal Thai Mint (RTM)

Related coins

Tin, 5 g, ⌀ 25.5 mm

Aluminium Bronze, 4.9 g, ⌀ 23 mm