MT KAILASH - 2 oz .999 Antiqued Very High Relief Silver Coin - $5 Niue 2024
 
The 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) Mount Kailash is part of the Transhimalaya – a mountain range that spans in western Tibet and is often known as the centre of the world due to its geographical location. As the mountain has been revered for thousands of years due to its significant religious importance, no one has ever climbed the summit.
 
Religiously, the Hindus believe the mountain to be the dwelling place of Lord Shiva (Mahadeva) – one of the principal deity in Hinduism primarily known for transformation and renewal through clearing of the way for new creation and growth. The Tibetan Buddhists associate the mountain to Buddha Demchok (Chakrasamvara), a deity symbolising the union of wisdom and compassion, which are essential to achieve spiritual realisation and enlightenment. Other religions which regard the mountain as sacred are Jainism and Bon.
 
As such, a long-standing tradition associated with Mount Kailash is the pilgrimage known as the kora. The circumambulation paths are featured on the obverse of the coin, showing the 52-kilometer outer ritual walk around the mountain’s base that is practiced by devotees of various faiths. It is believed that completing the kora cleanses sins and brings about spiritual renewal and completing the route 108 times will allow devotees to receive Nirvana.
 
The revers of the coin illustrates Mount Kailash, with the highest coin relief we have ever minted at 20mm to showcase the mountain’s majesty. Total 13.5 oz bi-metal coin, measuring 80x80mm, is produced using silver and copper. The 2 oz of silver is concentrated at the coin relief to offer the most realistic representation of the mountain, while the rest of the 11.5 oz copper is embodied into the coin. Furthermore, white enamel has been meticulously hand-painted by our artisans to depict the perpetual unmelted snow cap of the sacred mountain.
 
With an antique finishing, the limited 299 pieces are packaged and would be delivered with a Certificate verifying its edition number and authenticity. This coin hopes to exhibit the mountain’s beauty and its significance across multiple traditions, reminding of our responsibility to conserve and protect the environment.