THAI KINGDOMS: Lan Na, AR tok chiangmai (64.65g), ca. 17th-19th centuries, Mitch-2800var (counterstamps), Daniel-T2b, 56mm, debased silver "oyster" tok coinage cast to the standard of one tamlung, two horse marks stamped on either side of the aperture on the obverse, EF, R, ex Howard A. Daniel III Collection. Chiang Mai Toks are usually found with a blackened top while the underside is yellowish-brown. This discoloration is traditionally attributed to the supposed mixing of the silver alloy with egg yolk and chicken blood. Krisadaolarn & Mihailovs, among many specialists, challenge this proposition and believe it was instead achieved by applying gold leaf to the obverse after production.
