Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) said around 41,000 silver coins were sold during this year’s Tihar. The central bank did not issue gold coins, citing a shortage of high-quality 999.99-touch gold, and released only silver coins for distribution.

All the coins issued were 10-gram pieces. The NRB set daily prices based on the silver market rate, ranging from Rs3,000 to Rs3,300 per coin. At an average price of Rs3,100, the total value of silver coins sold is estimated at around Rs130 million.

Gold quality is usually classified as 22-carat or 24-carat, but the NRB assesses it based on touch numbers. A 999.99 touch denotes the highest purity, used for minting asarfi coins. Due to the shortage of such gold, the NRB did not issue gold coins this year.

Instead, the NRB sold silver coins along with regular one- and two-rupee coins until October 16. These were issued as medallions and commemorative coins, made of pure silver or alloys containing metals such as copper and nickel.

Medallions are coins minted to promote religious, cultural, decorative, or natural heritage themes. They are mostly made of silver and feature designs of deities, cultural symbols, or heritage sites, depending on market demand. At present, coins depicting Goddess Laxmi, Lord Ganesh, and combined Laxmi–Ganesh motifs are the most popular. These coins are sold at their face value.

Commemorative coins are specially issued coins that require government approval. They are minted to mark national figures, notable personalities, special days, events, achievements, or occasions of national or international importance. These coins are also sold at their face value.

This year, individuals were allowed to purchase up to four silver coins each. Buyers were required to present their original citizenship certificates or verified copies to purchase medallions or commemorative coins.

The NRB’s Mint Division has long distributed gold and silver coins to the public. Officials said demand surges during Tihar, much like the rise in demand for banknotes during Dashain. More than 90 percent of annual coin sales take place during the festival, reflecting the strong public interest in gold and silver coins.

Prices of gold coins, medallions, and commemorative coins are determined based on the market rates of gold and silver, with production costs added. Many buyers prefer purchasing from the NRB for guaranteed quality. For individuals, the NRB adds Rs300 per gram to the prevailing gold market rate when setting daily prices, while institutions are charged an additional Rs500 per gram.