THAILAND: Rama V, 1868-1910, AR medal (5.35g), CS126 (1907), 21mm Prince Mahisara Rajaharudaya memorial cremation silver medal inscribed "H.R.H. Krom Muan Mahisorn Rachhathai", reverse scratches, cleaned, VF, RR. Jayanta Mongkol, the Prince Mahisara Rajaharudaya (1866-1907) was a son of King Rama IV (Mongkut), and his Royal Consort Huang. The prince was a leading member of the progressive clique known as the Young Siam, on whom King Chulalongkorn relied for support in his efforts to reform the country. In 1896, the prince was put in charge of the Ministry of Treasury (later the Finance Ministry). In 1897, when King Rama V embarked on a nine-month tour of Europe, Prince Jayanta, as the Minister of Treasury, accompanied him and saw first-hand the government administration of several European states and the important role banks played in developing the economy and promoting international trade. Upon returning home, he assumed the task of developing international trade relations and bringing Siam's business practices in line with those in Europe. He also turned his attention to further reforming the awkward pod duang currency into a European-style metric system, involving just two units (1 baht equivalent to 100 satang). The reform made bookkeeping much easier and paved the way for the introduction of Siamese banknotes in 1902. Because of his achievements, Prince Jayanta is widely acknowledged as the "Father of Thai Banking".Another example of this rare medal sold in the ESC (Eur-Seree Collecting) Auction 55, Lot 2529.

Estimate: USD 150 - 250