Nepal – the country and its gold coins

Nepal - the country and its gold coins

Nepal is a country in South Asia, bordering India to the south, east and west and China to the north. It is a landlocked country with diverse cultures, traditions, cuisines and nature. Here you will find a detailed overview of the culture, traditions, cuisine and nature of Nepal.

Population: 30.795 million (spring 2023)

Capital: Kathmandu, officially Kathmandu Metropolitan City, is the capital and most populous city of Nepal. (Population 1.571 million in spring 2023)

Culture and traditions:

Nepal is a multicultural country with over 125 ethnic groups and languages spoken. The Nepali language is the most widely spoken language in the country. The culture and traditions of the country are influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism and Tibetan culture. The majority of the population practices Hinduism, while a significant minority adheres to Buddhism. Nepal has many festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including Dashain, Tihar, Holi and many more. The traditions of Nepal are deeply rooted in religious beliefs and rituals. The Nepalese celebrate important occasions such as weddings, births and deaths with traditional ceremonies. Family values are important in Nepali culture, and respect for elders is highly valued. The Nepalese are known for their hospitality and warmth, and visitors are often welcomed with open arms.

Sightseeing in Nepal:

Nepal is a country that has long been a magnet for adventurers and travelers from all over the world. The stunning natural beauty of this Himalayan nation combined with its rich cultural heritage makes it an incredibly popular destination for tourists. Here are some of the most interesting places to visit in Nepal:

Kathmandu – The capital of Nepal is a must-see for anyone traveling the country. The city is steeped in history and culture, with ancient temples, palaces and bustling markets. Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many historic buildings and temples, including the Kumari Palace.

Pokhara – This lakeside town is known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains and is often used as a base for treks to the Annapurna Range and other nearby mountain ranges. The town itself is also worth a visit with its picturesque Phewa Lake and peaceful surroundings.

Chitwan National Park – Located in the Terai region of Nepal, Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, rhinos and elephants. Visitors can join a safari through the park or explore it on foot with a guide.

Bhaktapur – This medieval city is often referred to as the “City of the Faithful” and is home to numerous temples, palaces and traditional Newari architecture. The city is also known for its lively festivals and cultural events.

Annapurna Circuit – One of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal, the Annapurna Circuit offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions of the region. The trekking takes about 21 days and is a challenging but rewarding experience.

Sagarmatha National Park – Sagarmatha National Park, home to Mount Everest, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for any adventurer. Visitors can take a hike to Everest Base Camp or simply explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the park.

LumbiniLumbini is known as the birthplace of Buddha and is a pilgrimage site.

Politics:

Nepal’s politics function within the framework of a parliamentary republic with a multiparty system. Executive power is exercised by the prime minister and his cabinet, while legislative power lies with Parliament. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, known as Prachanda, has been prime minister of Nepal for the third time since December 2022.

Kitchen:

Nepalese cuisine is a combination of Indian, Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. The most popular Nepali dish is Dal Bhat, a meal consisting of rice, lentil soup and a variety of curries. Other popular dishes include momos (dumplings), chow mein and thukpa (noodle soup). Nepalese food is often spicy, and herbs and spices are often used. The diverse topographical and climatic conditions of the country have also influenced the cuisine, so that the different regions have their own unique dishes.

Nature:

Nepal is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, including the Himalayan Mountains with Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. The country is also home to many other mountains, rivers, lakes and forests. Nepal’s diverse geography has produced a wide range of ecosystems, including tropical forests, alpine meadows, and arid deserts. The country’s rich biodiversity includes many rare and endangered plant and animal species, including the one-horned rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger.

Who was King Birendra Bikram Shah:

King Birendra Bikram Shah was the 11th king of Nepal and ruled from 1972 until his tragic death in 2001. He was born on December 28, 1945 in Kathmandu, Nepal, the eldest son of King Mahendra and Queen Indra. Birendra received his education at St. Joseph’s College in Darjeeling and Tribhuvan University in Nepal, where he studied political science, economics and world history. You can see his face on the gold coins that we present here.

In 1972, King Birendra ascended the throne after the sudden death of his father, King Mahendra. As the new king, he worked to modernize and democratize Nepal and introduced a new constitution in 1990 that established a democratic multiparty system. His reign was not without challenges, however, including the Nepalese civil war that broke out in 1996.

King Birendra was a visionary leader who worked to develop Nepal and improve the living conditions of its people. He was a strong advocate of environmental protection, and under his leadership Nepal became one of the first countries to establish a national park system.

Tragically, King Birendra’s reign ended on June 1, 2001, when he and several members of his family were murdered in a rampage by his own son, Prince Dipendra, who later died of self-inflicted gunshot wounds. The incident shocked the nation and the world, and Nepal has struggled to come to terms with the tragedy ever since.

Despite his untimely death, King Birendra remains a beloved and respected figure in Nepal, known for his vision, leadership and commitment to his country. His legacy lives on through the many institutions and initiatives he established during his reign, and he continues to inspire future generations of Nepalis to work for a better and more prosperous future.

Collector gold coins from Nepal – our favorites:

Nepal has a long history of using gold as a form of currency and investment, and has a centuries-old tradition of minting gold coins. Gold coins have played an important role in Nepal’s economic history and cultural traditions. In Nepal, gold coins are considered a symbol of wealth, prestige and prosperity. They are also considered an important investment opportunity and are actively sought after by many collectors and investors. The collectible gold coins from Nepal are particularly noteworthy as they are widely considered to be some of the most beautiful and intricately designed coins in the world.

Some notable collectible gold coins from Nepal were minted to commemorate the coronation of King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. These coins featured a portrait of the king on one side and an image of the Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, on the other.

Over the years, Nepal has produced a variety of gold coins for collectors, each with its own design and historical significance. Many of these coins feature representations of Nepalese deities such as Shiva and Vishnu, as well as important landmarks and cultural artifacts.

One of the most popular gold coins for collectors is the Mohar coin. The mohar was the traditional gold coin of Nepal and was used as currency until the middle of the 20th century. It was used as a means of payment at the beginning of the twentieth century. The Mohar is a large, flat, disc-shaped coin with intricate designs and inscriptions.

Nepal 1 tola – Tribhuvan Bir Bikram 1930 PCGS MS63, value: 1 tola = 2 3⁄10 gold mohar by weight (2,3).

The collector versions of the Mohar coins were produced in limited quantities and are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike. These coins feature intricate designs and are made of high quality gold, which makes them both beautiful and valuable.

In addition to the Mohar, numerous other gold coins were produced in Nepal for collectors, including the Suki, the Lakshmi and the Ganesh coins. Each of these coins is distinguished by its unique design and historical significance, which is why they are highly sought after by collectors and investors around the world. Overall, Nepalese gold coins are a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and economic history for collectors. They are also a valuable investment opportunity for those looking to diversify their portfolio or add a unique piece to their collection. With their artistic motifs and historical significance, Nepalese gold coins are sure to remain a sought-after item for collectors in the future.

Nepal – Birendra Bir Bikram – 1000 rupees – tank rhinoceros – NGC PF67 UCAM – edition: 671

Nepal – Birendra Bir Bikram – 10 Asarphi – International Year of the Child – NGC PF69 Ultra Cameo – Edition: 4055

Nepal – Birendra Bir Bikram – 1000 Rupees – Armored Rhino – PCGS MS65 – Mintage: 2176 – Mint: Royal Mint, Llantrisant

In summary, Nepal is a country with a rich culture, diverse cuisine and breathtaking nature. Its traditions and festivals are deeply rooted in religion and family values, and the Nepalese are known for their hospitality and warmth. The country’s cuisine is a blend of Indian, Tibetan and Chinese influences, and the natural beauty of the Himalayan Mountains and other breathtaking landscapes is unsurpassed. Nepal’s gold coins for collectors will certainly remain a sought-after item in the years to come.

Discover our interesting gold coins from Nepal here: