The Singapore Mint concludes World Buddha Heritage series

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February 4, 2016 – Exclusively minted and marketed by The Singapore Mint, the new eighth issue of the World Buddha Heritage series pays homage to the Shakyamuni Buddha in the heart of the Kingdom of Bhutan, the issuing country of this exquisite World Buddha Heritage Coin Series. 

Kingdom of Bhutan / Nu. 1000 / Silver .999 / 5oz / 65.00mm / Mintage: 2,000.

Inspired by the Buddha’s tight ringlets of hair on his head, an intricate pattern of circular ringlets lightly engraved behind the Shakyamuni Buddha forms the background of the coin obverse, representing life between the extremes of indulgence and mortification. Each feature and contour of the Shakyamuni Buddha has been meticulously engraved and artfully gilded to highlight his divine proportions. Coupled with ultra-high relief, the vivid three-dimensional Buddha smiles faintly with his eyes half-closed.

Dordenma Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, Bhutan. Photograph: Vertalm / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

In this final issue of World Buddha Heritage Series, an exquisite 5 oz fine silver coin is also specially issued by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan to commemorate the conclusion of the series. This is in addition to the standard issue of 1oz Fine Silver Coin and 1/4oz Fine Gold coin. 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 5mm that aptly captures the spiritual essence of the Buddha’s enlightenment to bestow blessings, peace and happiness to the world. 

An elaborate engraving of the Kingdom of Bhutan’s national emblems sits in the center of the 5oz coin reverse and is surround by eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism – Bumpa (treasure Vase), Dungkar (Conch Shell), Dhug (Parasol), Khorlo (Dharma Wheel), Meto Pema (Lotus), Palbheu (Endless Knot), Sernya (Golde Fish) and Gyaltsen (Victory Flag) – that were individually featured in the eight issues. 

The Singapore Mint have recognised the benefits of combining the strength of highly skilled craftsman’s meticulous touch with cutting-edge technologies for precision; the ultra-high relief coin in this issue was minted via hand-sculpting of the Buddha on plaster moulds by skilled craftsmen at the preliminary stages, followed up technologically advanced minting techniques to achieve the relief height of up to three times the usual height. 

9-in-1 WBH Silver Proof Coin Set / Silver .999 / Mintage: 500.

Finally, an exceptional 9-in-1 gold and silver 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 999.9 fine gold coins and a 5oz 999 fine silver commemorative special; the silver set consists of 8 pieces of 1oz 999 fine silver coins and a 5oz commemorative special. Both sets are housed in an elegant Stupa display. 

For more information, please visit the website of The Singapore Mint.

Please read an article about the consecration of the Dordenma Statue in September 2015 here.

And you might want to visit Bhutan yourself after reading this travel report.