Tibet 1947 5 Sho Copper Proof Rare Restrike Authorised by the Dalai Lama

Tibetan symbolism, Swiss proof striking and an Australian initiative meet in this 5 Sho copper restrike. Produced by Valcambi in 1978, it revisits the Tibetan year 16-21 (1947) issue of the Ganden Phodrang currency system, with its snow lion and mountain-and-sun motifs. Copper and a proof finish give this historic design a distinctive numismatic presence.

The initiative began in South Australia. Three numismatists behind Adelaide-based Tibetan Coin Distributors conceived, organised and funded the restrike programme, arranging authorisation from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and production by Valcambi in Switzerland. Authorised by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the programme revived the historic 1947 Tibetan design as a collector restrike rather than introducing a new coin design. Limited to 1,000 copper proofs, this 1978 release is more than a tribute to Tibetan coinage: it records an Australian-led undertaking that brought the historic design back to the minting press. Secure this Tibet 5 Sho copper proof restrike at FORTYMILLION.

Specifications

Q. Is this an original coin struck in 1947?
A. No. This copper proof was struck in 1978 as a collector restrike of the Tibetan year 16-21 (1947) 5 Sho issue.

Q. How limited is the copper proof issue?
A. The worldwide mintage is 1,000 copper proofs.

Q. What is the Australian connection?
A. Three South Australian numismatists organised and funded the restrike programme through Tibetan Coin Distributors in Adelaide. Valcambi in Switzerland handled the striking.