Thailand. king rama.

9 Siamese Porcelain Gaming Tokens Trade Coins Thailand Chinese Export c.1760-1880
A collection of nine Siamese porcelain gaming and trade tokens dating from the late 18th to the late 19th century.

These distinctive ceramic tokens were produced in China for export to Siam (modern Thailand), where they were originally used as gaming counters in Chinese-operated gambling houses. Owing to a chronic shortage of small denomination coinage, such tokens gradually entered everyday circulation and were widely accepted as a form of local currency throughout much of the 19th century.

The group includes examples of various shapes and colours, bearing auspicious Chinese inscriptions including “Double Happiness”, “Prosperity” and other merchant or gaming-house marks.

These tokens represent a fascinating intersection of Chinese export ceramics, overseas Chinese commerce and the monetary history of Siam.

9 pieces.
Chinese export for Siam (Thailand).
Circa 1760–1880.

Condition consistent with age, including kiln imperfections, wear and surface staining.