1 Ngultrum non-magnetic

Bhutan's 1979 coinage program was part of a broader modernization push under King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who had ascended the throne in 1972 at age sixteen. The ngultrum itself had only been formally introduced as a decimal currency in 1974, replacing the older sertum system, so these early strikes represent the currency finding its feet.

The non-magnetic designation distinguishes this issue from later copper-nickel-clad steel versions — a distinction that matters for type collectors more than it might first appear, given how quickly the series transitioned to cheaper substrate options.