Rian Roon Rek (1st Batch Medallion) – Por Tarn Keow – Year 2513 B.E. – Made of COPPER with GOLD PLATING (Two Time 1st Prize Award Winner)

This exceptionally well-preserved first-issue medallion of Por Tarn Keow, one of Southern Thailand’s most revered monastic figures, represents a rare convergence of historical significance, spiritual legacy, and outstanding material condition.

Known as the 1st Batch Medallion by Por Tarn Keow, this piece of history belongs to a class of amulets long regarded as among the most sought after from the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Early issues are scarce by nature and examples preserved in near-original condition are exceedingly uncommon. The present piece was acquired directly from a long-term private collector who retained it within his personal collection for several decades.

The medallion exhibits remarkably intact original surface texture and plating. Details remain sharply defined, with no significant loss of relief, corrosion, or material fatigue.. which are rarely encountered in medallions of this age. The preservation of the original gold plating texture is particularly notable, as such surfaces are typically diminished over time due to handling, environmental exposure, or chemical interaction. In this instance, all primary design elements remain crisp and visually coherent, placing the piece firmly within the highest tier of collectible condition.

Por Tarn Keow, often venerated as “The Holy Monk of the South,” was ordained in his early twenties and devoted over seventy years to monastic life. His spiritual training included extensive forest pilgrimage throughout Southern Thailand, aligning him with the ascetic forest-monk tradition. Widely revered by local communities, numerous accounts of spiritual phenomena were attributed to him during his lifetime.

Por Tarn Keow passed away at approximately 95 years of age in B.E. 2519 (1976 A.D.). During the cremation rites, witnesses observed that his body did not combust despite prolonged exposure to intense flames. Even more astonishingly, the saffron robes he wore remained unburnt. Recognizing the extraordinary nature of the event, the cremation was halted, and his body was respectfully returned to the temple.

Today, his body rests within a glass coffin, preserved in a state that appears largely unchanged since that moment over four decades ago.

For collectors, this medallion represents far more than an object of devotion. It is a convergence of historical significance, spiritual legacy, first-issue status, and exceptional physical preservation. Pieces of this calibre do not surface often, and when they do, they seldom remain available for long.

A true connoisseur’s acquisition.. Defined not by hype, but by substance, condition, and enduring legacy.

This is a piece we cannot recommend enough! Priced extremely well for a medallion of such collectability and excellence!

INCLUSIVE OF A CUSTOM MADE SOLID GOLD OPEN/CLOSE CASING!