Siddharta Gautama was born in southern Nepal in the beginning of the Magadha Period (c. 563 BC). He lived in luxury, provided by his father, but still felt unfulfilled. Endeavoring to find Nirvana, he renounced his life of power and opulence to become an ascetic ... ultimately forming a path of moderation away from the extremes of self-indulgence and self-deprivation. Upon attaining enlightenment, he became known as Buddha. Today, Buddhism is a philosophy in addition to a religion, with about 28 million followers around the world seeking serenity and enlightenment.

Issue prices range from $49 for the 15,000 Kip, 20 gm., .999 fine silver proof coin (mintage 6,888) to $5,999 for the one million Kip, 5 oz., .9999 fine gold proof coin with genuine diamond insert (mintage 99). Other denominations available are the 10,000 Kip, 1/25 oz., 9999 fine gold brilliant uncirculated issue, priced at $52 (mintage 6,888), and the 100,000 Kip, 1/2 oz., 9999 fine gold proof issue, priced at $599 (mintage 688).