The "Snow Leopard" has become the most expensive coin in the history of the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan. The collectible item is made of gold of 999 purity, with a nominal value of 200 soms. The obverse features a snow leopard with diamond eyes. The reverse side of the coin displays the coat of arms of Kyrgyzstan in the center. The coin weighs 15.5 grams, and the mintage is 1,000 pieces. The "Snow Leopard" continues the collection of coins from the NBKR dedicated to animals listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan.
– The coin has been issued to promote and preserve rare representatives of Kyrgyzstan's fauna listed in the Red Book of the KR. It continues the collection of coins from the National Bank dedicated to red-listed animals. The "Snow Leopard" is the seventh collectible coin issued this year. In releasing the coin, the National Bank calls on everyone to treat our nature and the animals that are on the brink of extinction with care. We have issued a total of three gold collectible coins. The difference with the "Snow Leopard" coin is that it is almost twice as heavy as the previous ones, larger in diameter, and higher in nominal value. The leopard's eyes are set with diamonds of 0.09 carats, – noted Shamil Aydarkulov.
The market value of the coin is 64,950 soms (854 US dollars). Thus, the "Snow Leopard" has become the most expensive coin issued by the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan.
– This gold collectible coin was produced by the Lithuanian Mint. One of the factors contributing to its high value is the leopard's diamond eyes, – explained Aydarkulov. – I would like to emphasize that the National Bank does not pursue profit from the issuance of collectible coins. At the same time, their value in the secondary market is quite high. Coins from the "Wildlife" series are valued by numismatists. The small mintage also plays a role. Moreover, it can be used as a means of saving.