Nepal VS2052 5 asarfi

Sincona sale 94, lot 2125

This specimen was lot 2125 in Sincona sale 94 (Zurich, October 2024), where it sold for 10,500 CHF (about US$14,553 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted,

"NEPAL Tribhuvana, Bir Bikram, 1968-2007 VS (1911-1950 AD). 5 Asarfi 2052 VS (1996), 155.50 g. Lotusblüte. 5 oz Feingold. Sehr selten. Polierte Platte. Winzige Kratzer. (kingdom of Nepal, Birendra Bir Bikram ShahVery rare, 1972-2001, five asarfi of VS 2052/AD 1996, lotus bloom. Very rare, Choice Proof, Tiny hairlines.)"

The Nepali regime uses the term "asarfi" for all its gold bullion coins, ranging from 0.30 g to this enormous five ounce piece, which is not listed in the SCWC. The photo in Numista is of this specimen.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 155.5 g, 0.999 fine gold, 5 troy oz AGW.

Catalog reference: KM unlisted, Fr-78a.

Source:

• Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• ^[1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 94: World and Swiss Coins and Medals, SINCONA Bullion Auction, Zurich: SINCONA AG, 2024.

Link to:

• VS 2047/1990 ¼ asarphi, ⅓ oz gold, Save the Children
• VS 2052/1995 1/20 asarfi, 1/20 oz gold, Lord Buddha
• VS 2054/1997 1/20 asarfi, birth of Buddha
• VS 2054/1997 1/10 asarfi, birth of Buddha
• VS 2054/1997 ¼ asarfi, birth of Buddha
• Coins and currency dated 1996