Royal Mint launches first-ever ‘Lakshmi’ gold bar

THE Royal Mint’s first bullion bar range featuring goddess Lakshmi as a celebration of Diwali went on sale on Tuesday (28).

The “Lakshmi” bar (right), a 20g gold bar with the Hindu deity of wealth engraved into the precious metal, was designed by Royal Mint designer Emma Noble and follows a collaboration with the Swaminarayan Temple in Cardiff on its design. The bar retails for £1,080.

“With gold being a traditional and auspicious gift during Diwali, we wanted to develop a product that incorporates both beauty and tradition, but with a modern twist,” said Andrew Dickey, divisional director for precious metals at the Royal Mint.

The bar, which can be bought from the official Royal Mint website and features an Om symbol on its gift packaging, follows the success of the mint’s 1g and 5g gold bars in henna-inspired packaging launched last year which proved popular in the lead up to Diwali.

The bullion bar will also be blessed at the Shree Swaminarayan Temple’s Diwali ceremony as part of their “Lakshmi Poojan”, attended by Royal Mint representatives on November 4.

“It’s wonderful to see an international brand such as the Royal Mint taking such a considered and active approach to celebrate the Hindu culture within their product range,” said Nilesh Kabaria, from the temple.

“I love the intricate detail that Emma has been able to include on such a small surface, and on my recent visit to see the bar being struck, I was amazed to see the final version with every detail in perfect harmony,” he said.