5 baht 1955

Common. This note exhibits a wide range of eBay market prices spanning from under $1 to over $100 depending on condition and professional grading certification. The extensive transaction history (over 60 sales records provided) indicates strong circulation in the secondary market at all condition levels. UNC examples without professional grading typically sell in the $5-17 range, while PMG-graded examples command $15-35 for grades 64-66, with exceptional grades (67+) reaching $45-127. The 1955 5 Baht (Pick-75d) was issued in sufficient quantities to remain readily available to collectors, and no historical evidence suggests a limited print run or early recall. Despite its age and historical interest, market pricing consistently places it among affordable early Thai banknotes rather than scarce or rare issues.

This note was issued during the early reign of King Rama IX (Bhumibol Adulyadej), who ascended to the throne in 1946 and whose portrait appears in military dress reflecting Thailand's significant military influence during the 1950s. The Phra Pathom Chedi temple depicted on the obverse is one of Thailand's most sacred Buddhist monuments, symbolizing the deep religious and cultural foundations of Thai society. The Royal Throne hall featured on the reverse represents the institutional authority and governance of the Thai monarchy during a period of relative political stability in the kingdom.

The obverse features His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) positioned on the left side, depicted wearing a Field Marshal's dress uniform with formal collar insignia and three military decorations on the chest, characteristic of official state portraiture from this period. The center of the note displays the ornate entrance to Phra Pathom Chedi, one of Thailand's most revered Buddhist temples, featuring the distinctive central dome and decorative architectural elements rendered in fine detail. The reverse showcases an elegant neoclassical Royal Throne hall with a prominent central dome, symmetrical facade, multiple arched windows and doors, and columned architecture typical of royal Thai government buildings. Both sides employ intricate fine-line engraving with complex geometric border patterns, decorative spirals, and Thai numerals '5' in ornamental frames. The dominant color palette consists of purple/gray, pale green, and cream tones creating a sophisticated, official appearance.

Front side: 'ธนบัญชีไทย' (Bank of Thailand); 'ธนบัตรเป็นสนทีจดทำหนึ่งได้ตามกฎหมาย' (Banknote issued in accordance with law); 'หรือบาท' (or Baht); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY LIMITED LONDON' (printer attribution); Serial number 'P 80957094'. Back side: 'ไทยราชบัญชีหรือแสดงธนบัตร ต้องจ่ายให้ผู้ถือคนหรือผู้บัญชีที่เรียกร้องและบริบริ่มค่าเงินสดจำนวนเท่ากับหน้าบัตร' (Thai currency note or banknote must be paid to the bearer on demand and in cash equal to the amount shown on the face); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY LIMITED, LONDON' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (also termed recess printing or copperplate printing), executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited of London, one of the world's premier security printers. The visual analysis confirms the hallmark characteristics of this technique: intricate fine-line engraving throughout the design, complex crosshatching patterns in borders and background areas, detailed modeling of portraiture and architectural elements, and the watermark area (blank circular spaces visible on both obverse and reverse). The printer's name appears on both sides as 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY LIMITED LONDON', confirming this as a Thomas de la Rue production.

This specimen displays the Pick-75d variant designation (as opposed to P-75s), identified by the Thomas de la Rue (TDLR) printer attribution visible on both sides. The observed serial number 'P 80957094' indicates the 'P' prefix series. The PMG population report confirms two main varieties exist for this base Pick number (P-75d and P-75s), with this note conforming to the more common Thomas de la Rue version. No visible overprints, special markings, or signature variations are evident from the visual analysis that would distinguish this as an exceptional variety.