5 Chhertum

Bhutan's decimal coinage system was introduced in 1974, replacing the traditional ngultrum-based fractional system that had long resisted metrication. The 1979 date places this piece in the early years of Jigme Singye Wangchuck's reign, who had ascended the throne in 1972 at age sixteen following his father's death. The chhertum denominations saw limited practical circulation — Bhutan's largely rural, barter-oriented economy of the period meant small bronze fractions had marginal day-to-day utility.