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1/2 Rupee - Jigme Original legend: nickel
| Issuer | Royal Government of Bhutan |
|---|---|
| Year | 1951 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Milled |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Tibetan |
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| Reverse description | The reverse is divided into a three-by-three grid of nine square panels, each containing one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols (Ashtamangala) of Tibetan Buddhist tradition rendered in fine relief. The upper row features, from left to right, the Dharma Wheel (dharmachakra), the Glorious Knot or Banner of Victory (vase-like symbol with crown), and a pair of Golden Fish (matsya). The middle row presents a Treasure Vase (bumpa) at left, a central panel bearing the Tibetan denomination and date inscription, and a Conch Shell (shankha) at right. The lower row displays the Eternal Knot (shrivatsa) at left, a Victory Banner (dhvaja) in the centre, and the Lotus Flower (padma) at right. The overall composition is clean and symmetrical, with the denomination legend occupying the central panel. |
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| Additional information |
Bhutan's 1951 coinage program was among the first issued under Jigme Wangchuck, the third Druk Gyalpo, as the kingdom began cautious engagement with standardized metallic currency after centuries of relying on irregularly struck copper and silver coinage. Nickel was a practical choice for a landlocked Himalayan state with no domestic mint — these pieces were struck abroad, most likely in India, which maintained close trade ties with Thimphu throughout this period.
The KM#26 reference covers two PCGS population numbers, suggesting a recognized variety split — possibly a legend or die difference that has yet to be exhaustively documented in the specialist literature.