1941 1 Baht

The 1941 1 Baht from Thailand was struck in aluminum, a wartime expedient that allowed production to continue amid global metal shortages.

This coin, issued during World War II, featured the profile of King Ananda Mahidol on the obverse and a Thai numeral on the reverse. Its lightweight composition—barely weighing 1.35 grams—made it practical for everyday use in a resource-strapped economy. Exact mintage figures are murky; records from that period were often incomplete due to the chaos of occupation and conflict.

Design-wise, the coin's edges were plain, a choice that simplified manufacturing. Not that it needed embellishments—aluminum was already a novelty in coinage. Some collectors note the metal's tendency to tarnish, which, in a humid climate, gave these pieces a prematurely aged look. As for rarity, it's common enough in circulated grades, but finding one without wear is another story.

Minting occurred at the Royal Thai Mint in Bangkok, though disruptions meant not every planned coin reached circulation. That said, the switch to aluminum wasn't all bad; it kept commerce flowing when copper and silver vanished.