Buddhism as a religion has a long and varied history, with some fascinating tenets and a following of over 350m. With the religion being based, and very popular in Asia, a region in which collecting gold and silver coins is common, it was only a matter of time before the two combined.

The coins each have upon their reverse a symbol representing one of the “Eight Auspicious Symbols”, also known as “Tashi Tagay”, which form the most well-known group of Buddhist emblems and are quite prolific in Bhutanese tradition and culture. They are believed to bring good luck and fortune to self, family and the nation and are found displayed, carved and painted on walls all over Bhutan. The obverse of each coin showcases one of the many famous statues and monuments that are associated with the worlds fastest growing religion, along with the country in which it is found.

When released in 2010, the coins were available in three formats; a 1oz 0.999 silver coin, a ¼oz 0.9999 gold coin, and a 1/25oz 0.9999 gold coin. From 2012 onwards, the 1/25oz gold coin were dropped and the release schedule dropped from two per year to just one. With the release of the ultra-high relief 2015 coin, the eight coin series has concluded and the mint released some themed display frames to hold the set, one for gold and one for silver. A 5oz silver coin carrying a gilded high relief reverse was released with an obverse depicting all of the eight Auspicious Symbols. It and the tiny gold coins can be seen on the SPECIALS tab below.

They are minted and distributed by The Singapore Mint and each coin comes in an elegant display box with a Certificate of Authenticity.

SPECIFICATION

DENOMINATION COMPOSITION WEIGHT DIAMETER FINISH MINTAGE BOX / COA
250 NGULTRUM 0.999 SILVER 31.10 g 40.70 mm PROOF 10,000 YES / YES
1000 NGULTRUM 0.999 SILVER 155.50 g 65.00 mm PROOF 2,000 YES / YES
1000 NGULTRUM 0.9999 GOLD 7.78 g 21.96 mm PROOF 6,000 YES / YES
200 NGULTRUM 0.9999 GOLD 1.24 g 13.92 mm PROOF 30,000 YES / YES

COLLECTION PACKAGING

An exceptional 9-in-1 gold round-up set released by the Kingdom of Bhutan commemorates the final issue of the World Buddha Heritage series. The gold set consists of 8 pieces of 1/4oz 999 fine gold coin and a 5oz 999 fine silver commemorative special, housed in an elegant Stupa display. The silver set consists of 8 pieces of 1oz 999 fine silver coin and a 5oz 999 fine silver commemorative special, housed in an elegant Stupa display. Also included in each set is the Certificate of Authenticity as well as the heritage information of all the coin designs, collated into mini booklet.

The Stupa-shaped acrylic display is an architectural representation of the Buddhist path to enlightenment. Interplay of transparent and frosting effect on the high quality acrylic and special through-hole coin holding, allows both sides of the coins to be showcased at the same time. Together with ornate silver printed lotus petals lining the base, the entire coin set will make for a classy and decorative display piece for any space.

Each issue highlights a renowned Buddha statue or Buddhist monument on the obverse to celebrate the rich history of Buddhism around the world. The series features the following Buddhist statues and monuments: Four-faced Buddha of Cambodia, Seokguram Grotto of Korea, Wat Pho of Thailand, Leshan Giant Buddha of China, Mahabodhi Temple of India, Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva of China, Maitreya Buddha of Vietnam and Shakyamuni Buddha of Bhutan. While the coin reverse features the Eight Auspicious Symbols – one symbol for each issue. Each symbol represents an aspect of Buddhist teaching and is believed to bring great blessings to people.

Featured in this stunning 5oz fine silver coin is the spectacular full-body statue of the Shakyamuni Buddha minted with ultra-high, gold-gilding relief of approximately 4.5mm that aptly captures the spiritual essence of the Buddha’s enlightenment to bestow blessings, peace and happiness to the world. The reverse side features the elaborate engraving of the national emblem of the Kingdom of Bhutan and all Eight Auspicious Symbols together.

The 9-in-1 coin set is packaged in a stylish 2 piece packer box with lotus flower motif and emblazoned with glossy hot-stamping lettering of “WORLD BUDDHA HERITAGE SERIES”.

For those that have been collecting the series over the last few years, the boxes are available seperately for S$90 each.

Each individual coin over the years has been packaged in the boxes shown below.