Thailand 300 Baht Gold 1968 Queen's Birthday BU

The Thailand 300 Baht Gold coin, minted in 1968, was issued to celebrate the 36th birthday of Queen Sirikit, the Queen consort of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. This commemorative coin is a significant part of Thailand's modern numismatic history and was created to honor the life and achievements of Queen Sirikit, who played an important role in the modernization of Thailand during the 20th century. The coin's issue is part of a series of special commemorative gold coins that were released by the Thai government to celebrate royal milestones and important national events. The 1968 Queen's Birthday gold coin remains a treasured piece among collectors, particularly for its historical and royal significance.

The coin is made of high-quality gold, with a purity of 0.900 (90%) gold, and weighs 15.244 grams. It is minted in the shape of a circular disc, and its denomination of 300 Baht is prominently displayed on the reverse side, making it one of the higher-value coins minted by Thailand at the time. The 300 Baht coin was issued as a symbol of wealth and prosperity, intended to mark the special occasion of Queen Sirikit's 36th birthday, a landmark in her long and distinguished reign. The coin is part of a broader series of commemorative pieces issued by the Bank of Thailand, which continues to issue commemorative gold coins for various royal events and anniversaries.

The design of the Thailand 300 Baht Gold coin reflects the country's deep reverence for its monarchy and the royal family. On the obverse side of the coin, a striking portrait of Queen Sirikit is featured, depicted in her official royal regalia. Her graceful, dignified image captures her status as the Queen consort and is set within a bordered circle, showcasing her importance as the matriarch of the Thai royal family. The likeness of Queen Sirikit on the coin is rendered with remarkable attention to detail, showcasing her elegant features and royal attire, which includes a tiara and the traditional Thai jewelry worn by the queen during ceremonial occasions. Around the portrait, the inscription reads "QUEEN SIRIKIT" in Thai characters, further emphasizing the purpose of the coin as a tribute to her.

The reverse side of the coin features the royal symbol of Thailand: the Garuda, a mythological bird-like creature, which has been a symbol of Thai kingship for centuries. The Garuda is traditionally shown with a human body and the head and wings of a bird, representing the king's divine right to rule and his connection to the gods. This powerful image of the Garuda is surrounded by the inscription "300 BAHT" and the date "1968," marking the year of issue and denoting the coin’s value. The use of the Garuda on the reverse side of the coin reinforces the connection between the monarchy and divine authority, further emphasizing the royal nature of this commemorative issue.

The coin was minted by the Royal Thai Mint, the government mint of Thailand, which is responsible for producing the country's circulating currency as well as commemorative and bullion coins. The mint was established in 1949, and it is part of the Ministry of Finance, with a mission to produce coins that both fulfill the monetary needs of the country and commemorate important national and royal events. The Thailand 300 Baht Gold coin was produced as a part of this ongoing tradition of issuing commemorative coinage to honor the monarchy and Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. The mint’s designs often incorporate elements of Thai culture, including depictions of royalty, religious symbols, and traditional motifs that reflect the country’s history and heritage.

The mintage of the 1968 Thailand 300 Baht Gold coin is relatively limited, with only 1,000 pieces issued. This limited mintage adds to the coin’s rarity and value among collectors. As a result, the 1968 300 Baht coin is considered a rare and valuable item in the numismatic community, particularly for those with an interest in Thai history and royal commemoratives. Its limited number of pieces means that it is not commonly found in circulation, and those available for purchase are typically in excellent condition due to their gold composition and relatively low exposure to wear and tear. The coin's rarity also contributes to its appeal as a collectible, with prices for the coin varying depending on its condition and demand in the market.

The coin’s condition is also a crucial factor in determining its value. The Thailand 300 Baht Gold coin is commonly found in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition, as the coin was not circulated in everyday transactions and was primarily intended for collectors. The BU condition means that the coin retains its original luster and sharp details, with no signs of wear or damage. Coins in BU condition are typically the most sought after by collectors and command higher prices due to their pristine appearance. Some pieces may show slight toning due to age, but in general, these coins are well-preserved. Given the coin's historical significance and limited mintage, any coin in BU condition will be considered a prized item by collectors of world gold coinage.

The 1968 Thailand 300 Baht Gold coin is an important and historically significant piece of Thai numismatic history, reflecting both the country's cultural heritage and its royal tradition. The coin is a tribute to Queen Sirikit, one of the most beloved and respected monarchs in Thailand’s history, and it captures the grace, beauty, and dignity of her reign. With its intricate design, limited mintage, and gold content, the 300 Baht coin remains a treasured item among collectors and continues to be sought after by those interested in world coins, commemorative issues, and royal memorabilia.