Medal - Luang por Sri Ari ND

Reverse

Hatsadiling, Facing over plain field, Thai text around border.

Comment

Hatsadiling (Thai mythical bird) The hatsadiling is considered to be the size of a house, with the head and body of a lion, trunk and tusks of an elephant, the comb of a cock, and the wings of a bird. According to an oral myth in northeastern Thailand, the bird once inhabited the legendary forest of Himavanta. The bird is often featured as a motif on funerary hearses of prominent Buddhist monks in Northern Thailand during phongyibyan cremation ceremonies.



RIAN (MEDAL IMAGES)
Rian images have existed since the past century and they might have been created after Thailand started the usage of the flat coin curreny. From the Sukhothai period to the early Bangkok period, Thailand was using bullet-shaped coins known as Pod Duang. In the 17th century, a Thai minister visited Singapore and reported to King Rama III on the usage of flat copper coins upon his return. The flat coin curreny was subsequently implemented in Thailand and in the mid 18th century the usage of Pod Duang 'coins' was officially fazed out. Medal image amulets might had been created following the implementation of flat coin curreny, one of the first Rian/medal image amulets, were created in C.E. 1897. There are many types and many names given to these images, there are many examples of popular types among collectors to this day.