Great collection! 20 baht banknote Rama X Thailand Collector's Guide History The 20-baht banknote of Thailand has a fascinating history, as follows: **Origins and Brief History** 1. **First Issuance**: - The 20-baht banknote was first introduced during the reign of **King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)** in **1902 (B.E. 2445)** as part of a financial modernization effort, replacing bullet coins with paper currency. - Initially, the 20-baht notes were printed abroad (e.g., in England) before Thailand gained the capability to print them domestically. 2. **Early Design**: - The first-generation 20-baht banknotes resembled older currency styles, featuring bilingual text (**English and Thai**) along with a portrait of King Rama V. - They were printed on both **paper and cloth** for durability. 3. **Evolution Over Time**: - In subsequent reigns (Rama VI, VII, VIII, and IX), the 20-baht banknote underwent several design changes, typically bearing the portrait of the reigning monarch. - During King Bhumibol Adulyadej?s reign (Rama IX), the 20-baht note was redesigned multiple times, such as the **1982 series** featuring royal insignia and the **1997 series** depicting the Rama VIII Bridge. 4. **Current 20-Baht Banknote (2022)**: - The latest version (17th series) was issued on **March 24, 2022**, during the reign of **King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)**. - It is distinguished by its **green color**, with the **portrait of King Rama X** on the front and the **equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)** along with scenes from the **Coronation Ceremony** on the reverse. **Economic Significance** - The 20-baht note is one of the most frequently used denominations in daily Thai transactions due to its convenient value for low-cost purchases. - A 20-baht coin once existed but has since been discontinued, leaving only the paper version in circulation. **Interesting Facts** - Older 20-baht banknotes (especially those printed before 1957) are highly valuable among collectors. - During economic crises (e.g., the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis), the 20-baht note faced temporary shortages as people hoarded cash. The 20-baht banknote is not just a medium of exchange but also reflects Thailand?s financial and historical evolution.