The First Cupronickel Coinage of Thailand (R.S. 116 / 1898 CE)

This article examines the metallurgical evolution of global coinage leading to Thailand’s first cupronickel coins. The first standardized cupronickel alloy (75% copper, 25% nickel) was developed in Belgium (1860–1861), creating durable, corrosion-resistant and silver-colored coins that became Europe’s minting standard. Two decades later, Switzerland (1881) experimented with pure nickel (99.9%), issuing the 20 Centime coin noted for its bright silver luster and exceptional corrosion resistance. However, pure nickel’s hardness caused severe die wear and high minting costs, leading to its discontinuation. Siam (Thailand) adopted the cupronickel alloy under King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), issuing the Three-Headed Elephant (Erawan) Coin Series, R.S. 116 (1898 CE) minted by Heaton Mint, Birmingham, England. All denominations had a plain edge, reflecting European minting practice of the period. This series marked Thailand’s entry into modern metallic coinage and aligned its monetary system with global industrial standards.