1867) The Dabotap Pagoda (South Korea), Republic Palau: A $20 Silver Coin issued by Coins Today on behalf of the Republic of Palau: Year of Coin Release: 2021:
The Pagoda of Many Treasures - the "Dabotap" - has been depicted on a new three ounce Silver Coin.
The Reverse of the $20 Silver Coin presented against a photograph of the Dabotap Pagoda
The Dabotap Pagoda:
Dabo Pagoda, (also known as "Pagoda of many Treasures), is located in the Temple of Bulguksa in Gyeongju, South Korea.
Upon entering the temple through the Cheongun and Baegun Bridge, Dabotap is located on the right side, opposing Seokgatap on the left side.
The Pagoda was built in 751 AD, the 10th year of the Shilla king Gyeongdeok. It is currently designated as a National Treasure.
The three-storey Pagoda stands 10.29 metres tall and was built in an ornate style not seen in other Buddhist countries. The sculpture techniques used are unique for its time and include delicate features.
It has a staircase on each of the four sides.
Four stone square pillars support the pagoda's first roof, where is built a square stone railing.
Inside the railing is the body of the Pagoda, and above it, standing on the second octagonal-shaped roof surrounded by an octagonal stone railing, are eight bamboo-shaped stone pillars support the octagonal-shaped lotus stone carved with sixteen petals.
Above it eight stone pillars support the third octagonal-shaped roof.
Of the four stone lions guarding the top of the staircases only one remains.
A second one is located at the British Museum in London. As for the whereabouts of the other two, they are still unknown.
In the 1920s, the Pagoda was dismantled by the Japanese, and there is no evidence of the fate of the relics found in the Pagoda.
The Pagoda is currently depicted on the Obverse of the 10 Won Coin since 1966.
Dabotap and Seokgatap:
The two Pagodas reflect a story in the Lotus Sutra. Dabo ("Prabhutaratna"), a Buddha Enlightened Master, who had already achieved enlightenment, riding the Tower of Many Treasures, appeared to attest to the validity of Sakyamuni's sermons at Vulture Peak.
Dabo and Sakyamuni then sat side by side within the tower. This Pagoda represents the Dabo Buddha, while the other Pagoda represents Sakyamuni.
Dabo represents the objective truth, while Sakyamuni represents the subjective wisdom to realize it. Dabotap is highly decorative and looks feminine, whereas Seokgatap is highly simplified and looks more masculine.
The sophisticated Dabotap symbolizes the complexity of the world; the simple Seokgatap represents the brevity of spiritual ascent.
In the Korean Cultural Heritage Administration, the Dobatap Pagoda is described thus:
“The Pagoda has four stairways flanking the four sides of the pagoda’s base. Four square corner pillar set up on the cover stone for the base have the crossing stone pedestal supporting the stone roof.
On top of the stairway, a stone lion sits on its hunch. It is believed that there were four lions facing in four directions. There is a stone square railing on the roof. Inside the railing, the body of the pagoda is constructed, and above the body there is an octagonal stone railing.
Again inside the octagonal stone railing, eight bamboo-shaped stone pillar support the octagonal-shaped lotus stone carved with sixteen lotus petals. Above the stone lotus, eight stone pillars support the octagonal stone roof with the finial.”
The Silver Coin:
This Coin has been minted by Coins Today on behalf of the South Pacific Island of Palau and uses the Coin Invest Trust (CIT)'s proprietary Smartminting technology to bring the Dabotap Pagoda and the Bulguska Temple to life.
The Reverse of the $20 Silver Coin depicts the Dabotap in the foreground, with the Seokgatap Pagoda, behind it.
Behind the two Pagodas are depicted some of the main structures that make up the Bulguksa Temple.
The Obverse of the $20 Silver Coin features a wider view of the Temple Complex, including the images of the two Pagodas.
The Emblem/Coat of Arms of Palau is also seen on this face.
The specifications of this Coin are:
Country of issue: Republic of Palau; Year: 2021; Denomination/Face Value: $20 (Twenty Dollars); Metal Composition: .999 Fineness Silver (Ag); Weight: 3.0 Oz or 93,3 grams; Diameter/Size: 50.0 mm; Coin Quality: Antique Finish; Mintage: 333 pieces; Special Technique: Smartminting® (Ultra High Relief); Presentation Box/Case: Yes; Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Yes.
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