No Gold Coins for Public Sale This Tihar, Says Nepal Rastra Bank

Unlike previous years, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) will not sell gold coins (Asarfi) to the public during the upcoming Dhanteras festival. The central bank made the decision as no new gold coins have been minted this year, according to Pratibha Adhikari, head of the NRB’s Mint Division.

Adhikari clarified that while gold coins will not be available, silver coins of four types are still being sold by the bank, and customers do not need to wait until Dhanteras to purchase them.

She added that minting new gold coins requires approval from the NRB Board of Directors, which has not made a decision despite the festival approaching. As a result, no new gold coins will be produced or distributed this year.

This decision comes at a time when gold prices have hit record highs, surpassing Rs 248,000 per tola on Tuesday, amid rising global demand and limited supply, as many central banks continue to stockpile gold reserves.

Last year, the NRB sold around 11 kilograms of gold and 171.5 kilograms of silver to the public during Dhanteras, with 4,520 gold coins (2.5 grams each) sold in total.