Picked these up and thought I'd share a bit about these common coins...
Bhutan 1 Pice Jigme Dorji 1951-1955
Obverse..1) Wheel of Dharma...This is one of the oldest symbols of Buddhism.A dharma, (basically means"The perfection of the teachings of Buddha") wheel, has three basic parts,the hub, the rim, and the spokes.
The rim represents meditative concentration and mindfulness.
The hub represents moral discipline.
The spokes signify different things, depending on their number: On this coin there are four represented by 4 dots these represent the "Four Noble Truths" The truth of suffering (dukkha), cause of suffering (samudaya), end of suffering (nirhodha), freedom from suffering (magga)
2) Umbrella (parasol) of sovereignty...Basically the form signifies protection, the parasol dome representing wisdom and the hanging skirt, compassion.Symbolically, the protection provided by the parasol is from the heat of suffering, desire, obstacles, illness and harmful forces.
3) Golden fish of good fortune...The fish symbolizes happiness as they have complete freedom of movement in the water and also fertility and abundance.
4) Conch shell...In Buddhism, the conch was adopted as a symbol of religious sovereignty and an emblem which fearlessly proclaimed the truth of the dharma.
5) Lotus flower...Is a symbol of purity, renunciation and divinity.
6) Treasure vase...'the vase of inexhaustible treasures' - however much is removed from it, the vase remains perpetually full.
7) Endless knot (Emblem of endless birth)It symbolizes the Buddha's endless wisdom and compassion.
8) Victory banner...In Tibetan Buddhism, the banner represents eleven methods of overcoming Mara (the demon who tried to seduce Buddha): the development of knowledge, wisdom, compassion, meditation and ethical vows; taking refuge in the Buddha,; abandoning false views,; generating spiritual aspiration, skilful means and selflessness; and the unity of the three samádhis of emptiness, formlessness and desire-less-ness......
All surrounding the Bhutanese legend in the center DRUK...Reading Bhutan.
Reverse:1)Bhutanese legend "sa" (earth)
2)Endless knot (Emblem of endless birth)It symbolizes the Buddha's endless wisdom and compassion.
3)Can't find reference for this symbol..Maybe 2 golden fish
? Thoughts?4)Can't find reference for this symbol..Maybe the Bodhi tree
? Thoughts? Minted in 1951(bottom coin) and 1955(top coin) Later strikes of 1955 differ in detail because of recut dies....
1)The fish symbols eye is much bigger.
2)The curved form at the top of the conch shell is much more detailed.
3)The handle on the top of the vase is hollow.
Paul
Posted 01/28/2018 2:52 pm
