Numiscollect’s ‘Archaeology & Symbolism’ series returns to Buddhism with a three variant Manjushri Mandala coin

Continuing to power into double figures with an eleventh release, Dutch producer Numiscollect’s Archaeology and Symbolism has always been one of the more impressive series around today. These three-ounce silver coins journey around the world reproducing cultural artifacts from a whole range of locations, and time periods.

The 2024 coin is another dive into Buddhist culture with a depiction of the Manjushri Mandala, joining four others in the collection similarly themed. This series is unusual in that it has two distinct obverse designs, as it’s issued for two different countries. The Cook Islands issues are more diverse in subject, while those issued for Mongolia, are more tightly tied to subjects that country feels are relevant to Mongolian culture. Hence, the Mongolian issues have Buddhist subjects. You can see them all in our comprehensive Coin Series Profile.

Back to this coin, it replicates elements of the many depictions of this particular mandala, almost all of which have the depiction of the deity Manjushri at its centre, many dating back to the 14th century. Manjushri worship is considerably older, first noted around 300 CE, with many hints of note centuries before that. He is the bodhisattva who represents transcendent wisdom, and is depicted with a flaming sword in his right hand (to cut down ignorance and duality), and a lotus flower in his left (the blossoming of wisdom), as he is on the coin.

It’s a beautiful design, with tons of smartminted high-relief giving it added dimension. Fine detailing abounds on all levels – it’s all very impressive. As has been the practice of the last couple of years, there are three choices of finish. The most numerous, and our favourite, is the antiqued coin, of which 333 will be offered in total. In addition, and having a mintage capped at 111 units each, are an antiqued coin with the centre coloured (and with embedded crystals), and a fully gilded one. All are available to order now.

GALLERY

DENOMINATION COMPOSITION DIAMETER FINISH MINTAGE
2000 Tögrög (Mongolia) 93.3 g of 0.999 silver 65.0 mm Antique 333
2000 Tögrög (Mongolia) 93.3 g of 0.999 silver 65.0 mm Antique, Colour 111
2000 Tögrög (Mongolia) 93.3 g of 0.999 silver 65.0 mm Gilded 111