Sri Lanka (1972-date) 500 Rupee, 1993

500 Rupee from Sri Lanka (1972-date). Issued in 1993. Struck in Silver (.925). Measures 38.6 mm and weighs 28.28 g.

Obverse

On 1993 June 4th for the 2300th Anniversary of the arrival of Buddha's teachings in Sri Lanka, via Arahat Mahinda, the son of the great King Asoka of Maghada in Jambudwipa (India). This is the only Lanka coin to use the altered spelling `Shri' introduced by President Premadasa and used on Lanka Stamps issued between June 1992 and December 1993. A symbolic representation of the first ever meeting of Arahant Mahinda with King Devanampivatissa at the Missaka Pabbata (Mihintale Rock) near Anuradhapura. The Dhamma Chakka (The wheel of Dhamma) symbolically represent Arahant Mahinda as well and Buddha Dhamma. The words ANUBUDU MIHINDU JAYANTHIYA in Sinhala at the apex, and in Tamil and English on either side with the numerals 2300 at the bottom along the periphery.

Reverse

A stylised Bodhi Tree representing the sacred Bo Tree at Buddha Gaya, seated at the foot of which Buddha attained Enlightenment. Also depicted is the ornamental golden railing around the Sacred Bodhi Tree. The year of issue 1993 with the corresponding Buddhist year 2537 appear on the side of the Bodhi Tree. The words SHRI LANKA in Sinhala at the apex, and in Tamil and English on either side. The numerals 500 and the value FIVE HUNDRED RUPEES in Sinhala at the bottom and in Tamil and English on either side along the periphery.