March 24, 2016 – The Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan proudly issues the inaugural Blessings of Happiness Lunar Coin Collection – The Bhutan Lunar and Attraction series (2016-2027), exclusively minted and marketed by The Singapore Mint. The Bhutan Lunar Monkey coin, the very first in this series, is issued in conjunction with the arrival of the 2016 Lunar Monkey Year.
This series showcase The Singapore Mint’s technologically advanced minting techniques, with ultra-high relief minting on the silver coins’ obverse. Notably, the 1oz and 5oz silver coins are struck to achieve an ultra-high relief 2 to 3 times the normal relief height.
Kingdom of Bhutan / Bhutan Lunar Monkey / Silver .999 / 5oz / 155.5g / 65.00mm / Mintage: 1,000.
The obverse design of the coin is a combination of both traditional and modern art styles – echoing Bhutan’s current modernization policy, where they strike a balance between modernization and staying true to their traditions and roots. Using bold patterns and elements of floral, leaves and clouds to design the inquisitive monkey, the mystical qualities of the Kingdom is tastefully reflected. In addition, the limbs of the monkey are accentuated with swirl patterns, to exude vigor and spirit of the inquisitive monkey. Holding a heavenly peach, which symbolizes longevity and abundance, the monkey sits within an auspicious ‘Ruyi’ cloud motif.
A panoramic view of the Punakha Dzong, the old capital of Bhutan, at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Photograph: sprklg / http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/
The reverse design features the Punthang Dechen Phodrang (The Palace of Great Bliss) also known as the Punakha Dzong. Built in 1637, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. Punakha Dzong is not only well-known for its majestic architecture, but also for its historical and cultural significance. Punakha Dzong is also host to the royal wedding of His Majesty, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema, filling this magnificent Dzong with love and blessing.
The picturesque image of the Punakha Dzong sits within the artistic motifs of cloud swirls. The clouds surrounding the landmark further highlight Bhutan as the Kingdom in the clouds, the last Shangri-la of the world.
The Kingdom of Bhutan is the happiest country in Asia, and the origin of the term ‘Gross National Happiness’, is coined by His Majesty, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the 4th King of Bhutan. Home to a stunning natural scenery embellished with majestic architectures of Dzongz, Stupas and Monasteries, each of the 12 coins in this series features specially selected attractions of Bhutan. The obverse side of each coin features an animal of the Chinese Zodiac Series, while the reverse side features one of the 12 selected attractions located in this happy country.
For more information, please visit the website of The Singapore Mint.
If you want to learn more about Punakha Dzong, please click here.
Here you can read about 10 things Bhutan people do differently that make them the happiest people in the world.
And for watching an interesting YouTube movie about the Kingdom of Bhutan, please click here.