What is Asarfi ?

On the occasion of Dhanteras, Nepal Rastra Bank is selling 2.5-gram gold coins today. The coins will be available for purchase from the Mint Division between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Each individual can buy one coin, and sales will follow a "first-come, first-served" basis. The price of the coin will be determined based on today’s market rate for gold.

Silver coins will also be available for sale, with 10 and 25-gram options being sold from November 11 to 14. These silver coins are priced between NPR 2,200 and NPR 8,575, depending on weight and design.

According to Nepal Rastra Bank, payment for purchasing these coins can be made through a QR code. In traditional beliefs, buying metal items on Dhanteras is considered auspicious.

The "asarfi," or gold coin, is crafted by melting gold into a coin shape, though it is not used as regular currency. Primarily purchased by high-income individuals, these coins have become more accessible to the general public in recent years, as indicated by the rising demand.