Issued as part of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization coin program, this piece was struck specifically to promote agricultural development in one of the world's most isolated kingdoms. Bhutan had only formally joined the UN in 1971, and FAO issues from small member states in this period were frequently struck in limited quantities by foreign mints on contract — Bhutan lacked domestic striking capacity at the time.
The .500 fine silver specification was characteristic of FAO program coins, which prioritized face-value accessibility over bullion content.
Issued as part of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization coin program, this piece was struck specifically to promote agricultural development in one of the world's most isolated kingdoms. Bhutan had only formally joined the UN in 1971, and FAO issues from small member states in this period were frequently struck in limited quantities by foreign mints on contract — Bhutan lacked domestic striking capacity at the time.
The .500 fine silver specification was characteristic of FAO program coins, which prioritized face-value accessibility over bullion content.