1650–1850 Cambodia Fuang Hamsa Bird NGC Genuine

The Sacred Hamsa Bird

Within Cambodian Hindu culture, the Hamsa bird has been sacred for millennia, going all the way back to books written around 900 B.C. Said to be able to navigate the three elements—air, land and water—this mythical swan represents the Supreme Spirit from which all things are made. This elegant creature is so revered that it serves as the sacred mount for Saraswati, transporting the multi-armed Hindu goddess of knowledge and the arts along the waterways of her domain. Due to its ability to distinguish the difference between good and evil, the Hamsa became a prominent figure on coins where for hundreds of years it was regarded as a symbol of good luck, purity and enlightenment. According to Cambodian folklore, to have one of these coins is to hold the whole universe in the palm of your hand!

Cambodia’s Mythical Swan

Now you can hold one of these vintage coins and perhaps experience the thrill of universal knowledge with one of these Fuang denomination coins that feature the Hamsa swan. Struck for 200 years between 1650 and 1850, these small round coins are between 18 and 22 mm in diameter. These coins were struck on just one side, literally creating a “good” and “bad” side. What’s interesting about the Hamsa and these coins is that name of the bird is actually a play on words. When used as a mantra and repeated over and over, the syllables “ham” and “sa” can be interpreted as “saham,” Sanskrit for “I am the universe.” What’s more, Cambodian folklore maintains that when in flight, the Hamsa represents the soul escaping from samsara, the cycle of birth, life and death.

Each coin available here comes certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) as being in Genuine condition. Secure one or more for your collection now. Date varies.