Commemorative Coin for the Centennial of Thai–Russian Relations

This article presents the commemorative coin issued for the centennial of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the Russian Federation, commemorating King Chulalongkorn’s (Rama V) first royal journey to Europe in 1897, following the Paknam Incident of 1893. The primary objective of this journey was to enhance Siam’s image as a sovereign and modern nation and to establish diplomatic ties with European monarchies on an equal footing. During this visit, King Chulalongkorn met Tsar Nicholas II at the Peterhof Palace, an event that symbolized both friendship and strategic diplomacy within the tense geopolitical context of Siam’s conflicts with France. The commemorative medal was produced in 1997 by the Treasury Department, Ministry of Finance. The obverse depicts the conjoined portraits of King Chulalongkorn and Tsar Nicholas II, while the reverse features the royal monogram “Chor Por Ror” under the Great Crown of Victory alongside the Russian Imperial Coat of Arms, with inscriptions in Thai, English and Russian. Struck in patinated copper, the medal weighs 140 grams, measures 70 millimeters in diameter and was issued in a limited mintage of 1,000 pieces. This article highlights the historical significance, diplomatic context, and artistic value of the Thai–Russian commemorative coin marking the centennial of their relations.