Tibet 5 Sho Copper Coin – Snow Lion – Tibetan Era (1947–1953) TM1646

Tibetan 5 Sho copper coin, struck under the Ganden Phodrang administration at the Trabshi Mint in Lhasa. This specific design features the iconic Snow Lion, the national symbol of Tibet, and represents the final period of independent Tibetan coinage before the transition to Chinese provincial issues in the mid-1950s.

Item Specifics

• Country/Region of Manufacture: Tibet

• Denomination: 5 Sho

• Material: Copper (Bronze/Reddish Patina)

• Era: Ganden Phodrang (Cycle 16)

• Approximate Date: 1947–1953

• Diameter: ~29 mm

Design Features

• Obverse: Depicts a defiant Snow Lion facing left, set against a background of mountain peaks (Mount Kailash) with the sun and moon. The central image is framed by an eight-petaled lotus, each petal containing Tibetan script.

• Reverse: Features central Tibetan characters indicating the denomination, surrounded by intricate traditional scrollwork and a beaded border.

Condition Note

This coin is in fine/very fine circulated condition. It retains strong detail on the Snow Lion’s mane and the surrounding Tibetan script. It possesses a deep, attractive chocolate-brown patina with no signs of harsh cleaning. Please review the high-resolution photos provided to assess the strike and surface quality for yourself.

Shipping & Handling

• The coin will be shipped in the protective flip and labeled holder shown in the images.

• Securely packaged to ensure safe arrival.

• Combined shipping is available for multiple numismatic or exonumia purchases.

Please reach out with any questions regarding the specific cycle year or technical details of this piece.