Catalog
1/2 Rupee / Deb Period III
| Issuer | Bhutan |
|---|---|
| Year | 1835-1910 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 1/2 Rupee / Deb |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Log in to see details |
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| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Central field features a stylized conch shell (dung dkar), one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Tibetan Buddhist iconography, depicted in raised relief with characteristic spiral whorls and a pointed apex. The design is framed by a cross-ruled grid dividing the field into quadrants, with small pellets adorning the surrounding compartments. The irregular flan and hammered technique are typical of Bhutanese issues of the Deb Period III. |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
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| Mintage | ND (1835-1910) |
| Additional information |
Bhutan's coinage during this period was produced by hand-striking at small local mints, resulting in enormous variability in flan preparation, die alignment, and alloy consistency — brass and copper pieces from the same "issue" can differ so markedly that attribution by composition alone is unreliable. The long date range reflects continuous restrike practice rather than distinct annual production runs.
KM#15 encompasses multiple die varieties, and the boundaries between Deb periods remain contested among specialists, with attribution often depending on institutional collection history rather than firm documentary evidence.